The likely departure of Karmichael Hunt from the AFL will be keenly felt by his teammates, in particular young gun Harley Bennell.

Hunt has played a key role in developing Bennell from a shy teenager into an AFL professional.

When Bennell first arrived from Western Australia, it was Hunt’s home where he began to learn what it was to be a professional athlete.

Now 21, Bennell has developed into one of the Suns’ key attacking weapons, combining electric pace with mercurial talent.

He says ex-rugby league star Hunt can take a lot of credit for that.

“Preparing to go into a game, my diet, everything like that, he’s helped me out very much,” Bennell said.

Sunday’s home clash against West Coast appears to be Hunt’s last chance to play for the Suns with his AFL contract expiring and the 27-year-old reportedly set to join Super Rugby’s Queensland Reds for the next three years.

Bennell is one who would love coach Guy McKenna to give Hunt a final run in what would be his 45th appearance for the Suns.

“It’s always good to go out with K because you know he’s hard at it and he’s got your back,” Bennell said.

“I think anyone would be disappointed to see a teammate go … it’s his decision though.”