Troubled Sun Bennell has secret meeting with Tigers officials, as well as DustyMitch Cleary
afl.com.au
September 30, 2015 6:39 PMTROUBLED Gold Coast midfielder Harley Bennell met with key Richmond personnel at Punt Road on Wednesday as he searches for a new home in 2016.
Bennell was driven in via a rear entrance by development boss Mark Williams, flanked by the player Williams helped mentor, Dustin Martin.
The three spent two hours inside Tigers headquarters and met with coach Damien Hardwick and chief executive Brendon Gale.
Captain Trent Cotchin was also present, along with fellow leadership group member Ivan Maric
"It was a family meeting, I can't say too much," Maric told Channel Nine when departing.
Tigers football boss Dan Richardson said the meeting was about learning more of Bennell's intentions for his football future.
"We've got some interest in Harley, we'll see where it goes after the meeting today," he told Channel Nine.
"(The meeting is) just getting an insight into what his journey's been, where he's at and where he wants to go with his football.
"The key discussion is (about) the right environment to bring out his best is."
Williams took Martin under his wing when his career was at a flashpoint several years ago and Richardson said the former Port Adelaide coach would play a key role in any future Bennell had at the Tigers
"Chocco's part of the support and development program we have in place, there's a lot of other people involved in that. We'll see where that goes and see what's important to Harley," he said.
Richardson also acknowledged Bennell's outside run and ability to kick goals as a key factor in the club's pursuit.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-09-30/harley-bennell-has-secret-meeting-with-tiger-officials-including-dustin-martin