Gold Coast SUNS list manager Scott Clayton is confident the club will be well compensated for departing star midfielder Harley Bennell as rivals search to add some readymade class to their lists.
 
The SUNS advised in early September that Bennell would be traded after a string of off-field indiscretions.
 
Bennell has been linked to both clubs in his home state of Western Australia, with Fremantle considered to be his strongest suitor. The 23-year-old met with Richmond last week in Melbourne, but the Tigers have since withdrawn themselves from the race for his services.
 
Despite the circumstances in which Bennell departed the club, Clayton believes Gold Coast will receive a fair deal for a player widely regarded as one of the most talented in the game.
 
“It’s always a negotiation, that’s what this whole period is about. So, in a way that’s exciting, in a way it can be scary at different times,” Clayton told NAB AFL Trade Radio on Monday.
 
“But we’re comfortable where that’s at, certainly his manager, Colin Young, and Harley, we’re on the same page.
 
“So we’ll try and help – we’ve got a history of getting deals done if they need to be done and they’re right. But we’ve also got a history if they’re not right, not. We’re confident that a reasonable resolution will occur.
 
“It’s our job, certainly, to absolutely push hard and get the possible deal. The fact that clubs are looking for that last little bit of class to get them over the line and as the time pressure gets closer we think that will work.”
 
Clayton wouldn’t put a number on what Bennell is worth in terms of a draft pick or picks, but suggested the SUNS would be open to a combination of both a player and a pick in exchange for the former No. 2 draft pick.
 
With Gold Coast set to trade experienced and talented pair, Bennell and spearhead Charlie Dixon, the club will be seeking to trade some experience back into the club to balance up the list’s age and experience profile.
 
“It’s very hard to put a number on it, all I know is there’s a lot of flexibility in the market place now that future picks are involved,” Clayton said.
 
“I think it’s probably a combination of both. We certainly want to bring in some players, no doubt about that. We’re losing some games there and we want to replace those games.
 
“As much as we’re getting more experienced every week you play, so we’re comfortable we’re in a window now that’s close to a very good launch pad.
 
“But we do want to replace some games and the facts are you do have to go to the draft, and it makes sense, if you have to go, you may as well have the higher the picks that you can, that’s always a sound philosophy.”