The 2010 No.2 draft selection has nominated the Dockers as his preferred club, having already parted ways with the Gold Coast Suns, in part because of the publication this year of photographs of him engaging in alleged drug use in 2013.

His departure from Suns was confirmed last month when an argument with a security guard and an arrest for disorderly conduct led to the Suns running out of patience.

Having been overlooked by Richmond, and linked at one stage to Greater Western Sydney, Bennell set his eyes on a return to Western Australia, having been drafted from Peel Thunder. But West Coast Eagles chief Trevor Nisbett this week declared his club was not in the race to secure the services of the troubled star.

The Dockers, in need of speed and a creative line-breaker, have reportedly offered Bennell a three-year deal.

Dockers coach Ross Lyon last week expressed interest in Bennell, declaring his club would give the 22-year-old an "opportunity to grow" through connections he has to many of the club's players.

The Suns and Dockers will need to broker a trade, for Bennell is contracted until the end of 2017.

If not for his off-field issues, many in the football industry believe he would be worth two high draft selections. But that's unlikely to be the case, considering his recent troubles.