The Gold Coast SUNS today advised Harley Bennell that he will be traded during the upcoming exchange period.
 
The club was this morning made aware that Bennell was issued with a public nuisance notice and as a result held a series of meetings with coaching staff, the player leadership group and Bennell’s management throughout the day.
 
Chief Executive Andrew Travis confirmed that the decision to trade Bennell was unified.
 
“The decision was made unanimously following a series of meetings that included discussions with club administration, coaching staff, the player leadership group and Harley’s management.
 
“Despite the incident this morning being relatively minor, it’s the view of the club, our coaches and player leadership group that Harley is unable to make long term change required to remain with the Gold Coast SUNS.
 
“When Harley returned to football we outlined a program and a series of actions that he needed to follow to have a future at the SUNS. We also made clear to Harley and our entire playing group the expectations we had of them as players and representatives of this club.
 
“We may be one of the AFL’s youngest clubs but we are a proud club and we understand the privilege we all have to represent our supporters and the Gold Coast community. No matter what we say, we will be judged on our actions, not on our words and it is important to say today that the Player Leadership Group has fully supported the actions of the club in regard to this matter.”
 
Travis confirmed the club remained committed to supporting Bennell’s off-field program.
 
“We have been working collaboratively with Harley, his manager, and the AFL Players Association for some time. That responsibility is something we take very seriously and it will continue,” Travis added.
 
The club will now work with Bennell’s management to seek an appropriate trade.