By Michael Whiting

Gold Coast SUNS development coach Andy Lovell says the GC SUNS will work with Harley Bennell to overcome his homesickness, but the 18-year-old must buy into the club's program before being considered for senior selection again.

Bennell was not considered for the match against North Melbourne at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night after missing a compulsory training session earlier this week.

It is the second time this season the NAB AFL No.2 draft pick has missed out for disciplinary reasons after also not being considered to play Melbourne in round four.

Lovell said Bennell did not have an attitude problem but had to be responsible for his actions.

"Harley's not the first player to ever get homesick at an AFL club," he said.

"He's a long way from home, as we know, and he freely admits how he handled the situation wasn't ideal, but as a footy club, we recognise he's an 18 year-old young man and does not have the experience that he needs.

"We really respect our leadership group and they felt, and we felt as a coaching staff and footy club, that we can't compromise our standards and we had to make that clear to Harley and the rest of the group that those standards won't be compromised."

While the rest of the GC SUNS flew home last Saturday night after losing by 18 points to West Coast, Bennell, David Swallow and Campbell Brown were given an extra day to see family and friends.

They were expected to return on Sunday night for Monday training, but the 18-year-old did not return to the Gold Coast until Tuesday night.

Lovell said the GC SUNS were in a unique situation with so many teenagers being so far from home and were sympathetic to the homesickness.

He said each case was treated on its merits but Bennell's responsibility was to the GC SUNS.

"As in life, with choice comes responsibility, and his responsibility is to do the right thing and get back on time so he can join in on the program.

"Unfortunately he didn't do that but we feel he's learnt from it and we'll support him as much as we can.

"You're going to be judged by your actions. We need all our players buying into the program and experience in the AFL tells you that the successful clubs and the great clubs have a really consistent attention to detail in everything they do and we're no different in our pursuit of that.

"Harley just needs to follow the program with attention to detail and do what he does best at the moment, which is play strongly, and we're really confident he can do that."

While Bennell will play for the GC SUNS reserves in the NEAFL on Saturday against Morningside at Broadbeach, Rex Liddy will become the club's 26th debutant against the Kangaroos.