Gold Coast SUNS star midfielder Harley Bennell returned to football in an emphatic fashion against Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Saturday afternoon. His strong performance against the Crows has been recognised by AFL Media with a spot on the half-forward flank in the round 17 team of the week.

The 22-year-old endured a difficult three weeks after being the centre of controversy, but he responded in a resounding manner, collecting 11 first quarter possessions before finishing with 39 for the game – the most of any player on the ground.

Against a star-studded Adelaide midfield consisting of Patrick Dangerfield, Rory Sloane, Scott Thompson, Brodie Smith and Richard Douglas, Bennell led the way for the SUNS, who after losing Gary Ablett early were severely undermanned in the middle of the ground.

Whilst his disposal let him down at times, the West Australian was damaging, accumulating 16 contested possessions, nine inside 50s and five clearances, along with a metres gained reading of 672 metres – the third most of any player for the round.