It's official - Melbourne have signed midfielder Harley Bennell for the 2020 season as a rookie.

The ex-Sun and Docker joins the Demons under the AFL's Supplemental Selection Period Rule.

The injury-prone onballer has not played at the top level since 2017, mainly due to ongoing calf issues.

The former pick No. 2 has played 83 AFL games, with just two of those appearances coming at Fremantle.

But the 27-year old has been thrown a lifeline by the Demons after impressing over the summer pre-season training.

โ€œWe are really pleased to welcome Harley to Melbourne through the SSP, and officially have him as part of our list for the 2020 season,โ€ Melbourne general manager of football operations Josh Mahoney told the club website.

โ€œSince joining us to train in December, Harley has shown nothing but commitment to his individualised program and to the club.

โ€œAlthough he has faced some minor setbacks over the past two months, he has taken this opportunity with both hands, and maintained a strong, positive outlook.

โ€œHarleyโ€™s positive attitude has seen him been embraced by the playing group and seen him develop close relationships in a short time.

โ€œWeโ€™re excited to be able to reward him for his efforts so far and give him further opportunity to reach his full potential.โ€

Mahoney added that Bennell will be on a modified program as he builds up towards full match fitness, having suffered a minor calf setback last month.

โ€œHarleyโ€™s journey will be long-term, and both he and the club are aligned in where heโ€™s currently at in terms of making a return to playing,โ€ he said.

โ€œHe understands the importance of undergoing a slow, modified program, and he knows there may be further challenges to tackle along the way.

โ€œWe think that by making this decision early, it will take away an undue pressure and enable Harley to concentrate fully on this program.

โ€œWeโ€™re confident that he has the right attitude to embrace these hurdles, and weโ€™re looking forward to working with him throughout.โ€