Bennell misses again for Suns

Troubled Gold Coast star Harley Bennell will miss a second AFL match after being caught up in the drugs scandal that has rocked the club.

Bennell sat out last week’s win against North Melbourne after photos of him allegedly preparing to use illicit drugs in a Tasmanian hotel room in 2013 were published on the front pages of several News Corp Australia newspapers.

The Suns released a statement on Thursday night to announce he would not make the trip to Cairns with the team to face the Western Bulldogs on Saturday.

“Harley’s welfare continues to be our priority and as such, it has been agreed that it is not in his best interests to play this weekend,” club chief executive Andrew Travis said.

“The club, our medical and support staff, the AFLPA and Harley’s manager continue to work collaboratively to ensure he receives and has access to the best possible support.

“Our chief medical officer, in consultation with others working through this process with Harley, will again determine next week whether Harley will be available for team selection.”

The Suns have been in damage control since sensational allegations of drug use contained in evidence given to the Queensland Crime and Corruption Commission by former player Karmichael Hunt were made public.

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