Richmond will investigate whether the discarded Gold Coast midfielder Harley Bennell is worth pursuing, but Melbourne has ruled out pursuing the strife-prone young star.
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The Tigers confirmed to Fairfax Media that they would complete "due diligence" on Bennell, and are one of several clubs that will undertake the step of researching Bennell.
The Tigers have stressed, however, that they are merely doing their homework on Bennell and that does not necessarily mean they will be seeking to acquire him.
North Melbourne has all but ruled out pursuing Bennell, who is on the trading block after a number of off-field indiscretions. The highly talented and skilful midfielder/forward has two years to run on a contract that is set to pay him in excess of $400,000 over the next two years.
Melbourne coach Paul Roos categorically ruled out the Demons as a candidate for recruiting Bennell. Roos said Bennell did not fit with "where we are at the moment as a club," adding, "we just wouldn't pursue him through list management."
The Suns say there are a number of clubs who will put their toe in the water by completing due diligence on Bennell, who was sacked by the club after being given a public nuisance notice at a Gold Coast nightclub. This was the culmination of a troublesome season, in which he mixed brilliance with drama outside the playing field.
Bennell was stood down by the club in July and received help after photographs were published of him allegedly using illicit drugs. The Suns then hoped to work with him and retain him – he is universally regarded as an elite A grade talent – but the end of season incident confirmed his exodus, with the club deciding to put him on the block.
Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley, too, has ruled out a pursuit of Bennell, whose manager Colin Young has been in contact with clubs and fielding interest. The Suns say five to six clubs have made inquiries about him, and it is unclear what price will be required in a trade – the draft or player return will hinge, like all exchanges, on the level of interest.
Bennell, originally from Western Australia, was drafted at pick No 2 in the 2010 draft and will be just 23 next month, with excellent pace and skills. He has shown himself capable of match-winning performances, with a number of high possession and impact efforts. He also has a capacity to kick goals when playing forward.
