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Bennell will need an iron will to avoid bad influences at home

Rachel FennerMandurah Coastal Times

TROUBLED AFL player Harley Bennell will need to have an iron will if he’s to stay out of trouble once he returns home to WA.

In July, photos were published in an eastern states newspaper of Bennell with illicit drugs.

In September, Bennell had a run in with a bouncer and a public nuisance charge made against him.

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But Bennell’s high profile troubles began in his hometown of Mandurah.

In 2013, he was one of several young men arrested during a brawl at a Mandurah night spot.

It was said in court that Bennell was defending his brother.

If he’s to come back to WA, Bennell would be wise to stay away from pubs and clubs and the people who started him down the wrong track in the first place.

He’ll have to be determined to do that.

The drug culture in Mandurah is strong – to the point where it has earned the nickname “Methandurah”.

Some of the names that appeared with Bennell in 2013, still appear on the court lists.

Many influences and people involved in that brawl still live locally.

In 2010, after Bennell was drafted, there were reports he was unsettled being away from friends and family.

Hopefully, being closer to his roots will ease the demons that have plagued him.

The potential in this player is massive – he is eye-catching on the field and his skills demand respect.

Players and staff at the Fremantle Dockers need to take him under their wing, so he can demand the same respect off field.

We are rooting for you Harley, we want to see our hometown boy succeed.