The Gold Coast SUNS wish to advise it has finalised a plan designed to ensure Harley Bennell receives the support he requires and provides a pathway for him to return to the field.
In consultation with Bennell, his manager, the AFL Players Association and the club's chief medical officer, the following outcomes have been agreed.
- Adherence to an off-field program drawn up by the club and its chief medical officer
- Adherence to the standards and expectations of the playing and coaching group
- Round 16 - Available for NEAFL selection
- Round 17 - Available for senior selection
- $5,000 contribution towards the cost of the support required to complete off-field program
- Suspended three match sanction should adherence to the program not be met
GC SUNS CEO Andrew Travis said the outcome focused on balancing Bennell's health, wellbeing and education with the obligation to meet the expectations the club has for all its players.
"We believe this is a considered position, having consulted widely with experts in these areas.
"Harley's welfare continues to be the priority and we have all agreed that this is the most appropriate way forward.
"Harley has bought into the plan and it gives him a real opportunity to demonstrate he is prepared to make long term change and live up to the expectations required of him on and off the field," Travis said.
Travis also advised he had addressed the playing group this morning and confirmed that the behaviours and expectations required have never been clearer.
“Every single player is very clear about what we expect. What we need. What our supporters and the wider community want.
“A lot of people have done a lot of work to get this club to where it is. But right now, we need to win back respect - and we will. Every player is clear about what they need to do and the expectations on them as footballers and as people to ensure we win back that respect."
“We have learned a lot over the last couple of weeks and it will help us build a stronger playing group and a stronger Gold Coast Football Club,” Travis said.
As previously confirmed by the GC SUNS, a player came forward in relation to this incident in Launceston in March, 2013.
The player concerned has provided a full statement as part of the club's investigation. He has accepted a suspended sanction and will continue further off-field education in line with the AFL codes and polices.
