Harley Bennell successfully running again ahead of joining Melbourne training

Harley Bennell is so committed to turning his life around and carving out an AFL career that he’s left a lasting impression on Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin as he prepares to join Demons training.

An emotional Harley Bennell has successfully started running again as the former Docker and Sun aims to revive his stalled AFL career at Melbourne.

While the 27-year-old is unable to officially start training with the Demons until December 3 due to AFL rules around delisted free agents and the pre-season supplemental period, he has already relocated to Melbourne with his partner and child.

Bennell successfully went for his first run in five months on Tuesday after multiple bouts of surgery on his troublesome calves and has started working with Melbourne’s medical team, led by world-renowned fitness guru Darren Burgess.

The Demons have a program in place to ease the former No.2 draft pick back into training once he can officially join the rest of the players next week.

Stream over 50 sports Live & On-Demand with KAYO SPORTS on your TV, computer, mobile or tablet. Just $25/month, no lock-in contract. Get your 14-day free trial and start streaming instantly >

Harley Bennell is in Melbourne as he prepares to join training at Melbourne. Picture: Getty

“It’s still a little bit unknown but he’s had an operation where he’s had both the plantaris, which is the muscle down the bottom of the calf, taken out,” Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin said.

“Our medical team and Darren Burgess is involved, who’s had some experience with that in soccer with some success, and that’s been more around the healing of the achilles.

“It’s still a little but unknown but Harley is feeling really confident in it and his first run was successful.”

Goodwin has met with Bennell “three or four times” and been struck by the speedster’s determination to still carve out an AFL career.

MORE NEWS:

Mentor Andrew Krakouer says new Demon Harley Bennell belongs on the MCG

AFL draft 2019: Gary Buckenara on the young prospects still on the draft table

Melbourne delighted with its bold draft selections Luke Jackson and Kysaiah Pickett

It has left him buoyed by what Bennell can potentially offer his side in 2020.

“We’re really excited about Harley. He’s certainly trying to really turn his life around and put a step forward. We speak about the love of the game, every time I’ve caught up with Harley, he’s 27 and he’s still got a love of the game,” Goodwin told SEN.

“He’s emotional about where his footy has been and where he wants it to get to and he doesn’t want to waste it. We want to give him that opportunity to train with us, prepare as best we can knowing it’s going to be a journey.

“It might take time to get his calf right and not be ready for Round 1, he knows that, but jeez he’s got a love of the game.”

Originally published as Harley Bennell successfully running again ahead of joining Melbourne training