Bennell poised to re-sign with Suns
Midfielder Harley Bennell is set to close the door on offers from rival clubs and re-sign with Gold Coast within weeks.
Negotiations on a new contract tying the 21-year-old to the Suns beyond 2014 are expected to start in the next fortnight.
The Suns speedster, who batt- led homesickness early in his career, is understood to have contemplated returning to his home State at the end of last year.
However, Bennell was convinced by his own family he should stay on the Gold Coast.
He visited his family in Pin- jarra during the off-season and is believed to have been told it was in his best interests to live outside WA.
The 2010 No.2 draft pick was fined $3000 and accepted a spent conviction in April last year for his involvement in a 2012 New Year's Eve brawl outside a Mandurah nightclub.
Bennell would have likely attracted interest from West Coast and Fremantle if he had signalled a desire to switch clubs.
Gold Coast's strong 2-1 start to their fourth AFL campaign and further signs of progression have provided an added incentive to stay. Having taken a big stride forward last season, finals appear within reach in 2014.
The Suns face Hawthorn at Metricon Stadium tomorrow before embarking on a winnable six-game stretch that looms as an ideal platform to reach September.
They play Melbourne, Greater Western Sydney, North Melbourne, St Kilda, the Western Bulldogs and Adelaide in rounds 5-11.
Bennell hasn't played a game this season because of a calf injury and is expected to miss another fortnight.
His re-signing would be a major fillip for the Suns, who have already locked away fellow West Australian David Swallow until the end of 2017.
Forward Brandon Matera is the one other WA product on the club's list uncontracted beyond this year.
The 22-year-old kicked four goals in the opening three rounds, but will miss the Hawks clash because of suspension.
Highly-touted youngster Jack Martin has completed his first block of training after having surgery on the left shoulder he injured early in his round-one debut.
The 19-year-old was cleared by medical staff to start a more intense training program in early signs that a return later in the season was possible.
Suns high performance manager Stephen Schwerdt said Martin's presence at the club's skills session on Tuesday had buoyed teammates.
"He has a bit of effervescence about him, so he was back doing some training on the bike … it was a good sign," Schwerdt said.
… he (Jack Martin) was back doing some training … it was a good sign." *Stephen Schwerdt *
