Fremantle has secured the services of midfielder Harley Bennell in a deal with the Gold Coast Suns.
The club will exchange picks 16 and 35 in return for Bennell, with Fremantle also securing draft pick 22 from the Gold Coast.
Fremantle has agreed to a three-year contract with Bennell, who played 81 AFL games for the Suns after being taken at pick two in the 2010 NAB AFL Draft.
Bennell flagged his desire to return home to Western Australia and Fremantle was his club of choice.
“I’m excited about returning home to WA and joining Fremantle,” he said.
Fans react to the Bennell deal
“I want to thank the Gold Coast for drafting me and the support they have offered me during my time at the club.
“My main focus now is to knuckle down and have a solid pre-season over the coming months.”
The club subjected Bennell to a rigorous interview and assessment process before agreeing to the trade.
The 23-year-old has had numerous meetings over the past few weeks with key people at the club, including senior coach Ross Lyon, general manager of football operations Chris Bond, general manager of player management Brad Lloyd, CEO Steve Rosich and the club’s fitness and medical staff.
The former Peel Thunder WAFL players has also met with the leadership group and other players.
Lloyd said: “We’re happy to have secured Harley’s services on a three-year term.
“Club staff and players have met with Harley over the past few weeks and we’re confident he will be a valuable acquisition.
