At the conclusion of the 2015 season, Fremantle threw troubled Gold Coast Suns star, Harley Bennell, an AFL lifeline.
Being part of the inaugural Gold Coast line-up, Bennell was a shining light through the first couple of tough years for the newest addition to the national competition.
Injuries have plagued the now 25-year-old since his career started, with soft tissue injuries being the main problem.
He had a breakout year in 2012 where he, alongside his captain Gary Ablett Jr., averaged 24 disposals as well as a goal per game.
However, while he was able to prove his worth on the football field, with class displays and silky skills, Bennell had as much trouble with injuries as he did off the field with the law.
He was front page news around the country in 2015 seen with a white substance powder accompanying him.
He, along with the likes of Charlie Dixon and NRL-convert Karmichael Hunt, were all part of the exile in establishing a new culture at the Suns.
Enter, the Fremantle Dockers.
Ross Lyon and the Dockers decided on the punt, understanding the behavioural habits as well as the freakish talent he possessed would be a gamble worth taking. However, since his arrival in 2016, the former Sun has played just two games for the Dockers.
Bennell missed the entire 2016 season with an ongoing calf problem delaying his new beginning at Fremantle. Yet, his off-field behaviour was still making headlines in 2017, being kicked off a flight to the Gold Coast due to alcohol consumption.
He was able to re-gain the respect of the playing group and the coaching staff, playing the last two games of the season. However, his latest scandal however may be the last straw for the troubled star.
Bennell was seen wrestling security guards at a local nightclub, hours before the main training sessions was to commence for the Dockers after the Christmas break. The club has suspended Bennell, with the former Sun now training away from the club, in order to keep his AFL dream alive.
Lyon spoke to afl.com.au, labelling the situation as 'disappointing'.
"We're all disappointed that Harley isn't with us and (that) the investment, at this point in time, hasn't paid off," Lyon said.
The communication will be kept to a minimum, as per AFL-standards of knowing his program, but the Dockers hope to resurrect his career, on and off the field.
"Harley's got clear KPIs (key performance indicators) of skinfolds and run and a time frame that he can grab hold of and walk back through the door. Harley just has to open it himself," Lyon added.
"Hopefully we're sitting here in 12 months' time and it's a positive ending."
