SWFL 2023: New Eaton Football Club recruit Harley Bennell makes brief court appearance in Perth

The Eaton Football Club has reaffirmed its support for new recruit Harley Bennell, on the back of the 31-year-old’s brief appearance on Thursday at Perth Magistrates Court. In a brief hearing, Bennell was charged with multiple minor drug offences. Bennell, 31, initially pleaded guilty to the offences — possessing both cannabis and drug paraphernalia — which led to a police prosecutor reading out facts related to the case during a brief hearing. The court was told Mr Bennell — who played in the AFL for the Gold Coast Suns, Melbourne and Fremantle Dockers — had been charged following a roadside random breath test in Balga on October 11. The police prosecutor said officers were conducting RBTs when they pulled over a vehicle at 4.05pm that day and noticed a strong odour of cannabis. He said they then conducted a search of the car and found a clipseal bag containing cannabis. But before the police prosecutor could say more, Bennell interrupted, saying he wanted an adjournment because he only learnt of the charge via email two days ago. He also said his lawyer was in Melbourne and asked to delay the matter. Magistrate Gavin Maclean told him that he had already pleaded guilty, saying a possible outcome for this matter would be a fine and a destruction order of the drugs and paraphernalia. He also said a different magistrate might take a different approach. But Mr Bennell told the court he wanted an adjournment, prompting Mr Maclean to ask if he wanted to take back his plea, which he said he did. It is expected the 31-year-old will make an appearance at Perth Magistrates Court next month. Eaton president Troy Kent declined to comment on Mr Bennell’s case, however outlined the club would continue to back the 31-year-old. “We will most certainly support Harley as we would any player or member of our club, any way we can,” he said. The Boomers announced on November 17 they’d secured the services of Bennell — who played with the Harvey Bulls over the past two years — for the 2024 SWFL season, stating he would be a massive asset for the club. “Bringing his AFL experience, Harley will provide plenty of on field leadership and guidance for our young list and is also keen to get involved with our new junior training program, Baby Boomers,” an online statement said.