Gold Coast midfielder Harley Bennell is ready for his AFL return but the Suns aren’t expecting miracles against Adelaide on Saturday.

Bennell’s three-week exile following the publication of photographs allegedly showing him using drugs in a Tasmanian hotel room in 2013 will come to an end against the Crows.

Since the photos were published Bennell has missed three games and also been fined and given a suspended three-match ban by the Suns.

Suns coach Rodney Eade says that punishment was fair for an incident that happened two and a half years ago and it’s time to move on.

“There’s a fair bit of contrition there,” Eade said.

“Obviously he wants to be part of the place going forward. He wants to, like his teammates, he wants to be involved.

“We’ve seen, through his actions so far, it’s only a short period of time, but his actions have been very positive.”

The 22-year-old broke his silence after earning his recall, saying he was determined to repay the club’s faith after what he says was a “stupid decision”.

Eade says he believes Bennell is in a “reasonable” head space but he’s not expecting any great miracles in his first game back.

“I expect him, like any other player, to be able to contribute as a team player,” he said.

“I don’t expect him to be in the best. Just be able to play his role.”