Gold Coast midfielder Harley Bennell’s path back to AFL football has taken a big step after he played for the Suns’ reserves on Saturday.

Bennell picked up 37 touches and kicked a goal but had little impact on the scoreboard as the Suns were pumped by the NEAFL’s table-topping UWS Giants 23.20 (158) to 3.10 (28) at Metricon Stadium.

The match was Bennell’s first since photos of him allegedly using an illicit substance at a Tasmanian hotel in 2013 were published in national newspapers.

The 22-year-old has sat out the Suns’ past two AFL matches and will also miss Saturday’s clash with Greater Western Sydney.

Bennell was fined $5000 and given a three-match suspended ban by the club on Thursday but will be available for selection for next week’s game against Adelaide.