The lure of future success has convinced Gold Coast Suns rising star Harley Bennell to re-sign with the AFL club for another three years.

Bennell, 22, gave the Suns a shot in the arm ahead of Saturday’s Perth clash with West Coast by extending his contract until the end of 2017.

Bennell said he was so encouraged by the Suns’ progress this year that he did not think twice about putting pen to paper.

“We are a really tight group, we have been through the hard times together, our journey has been unique and we are as determined as ever to share that success that every player wants,” he said.

“We think we have made up significant ground over the last couple of years but we know that if we are to achieve the success that we all want in the future, that the hard work has only just begun.”

Bennell joins fellow West Australians David Swallow and Brandon Matera as well as Steven May, Sam Day, Kade Kolodjashnij and Sean Lemmens in re-signing with the club recently.

“We believe Harley has the ability to be one of the competition’s elite players and we take great confidence out of his commitment and belief in the club’s future direction,” Suns list and strategy manager Scott Clayton said.

Bennell has played 55 games for the Suns since making his debut as an 18-year-old in the club’s inaugural match against Carlton in 2011.