By Michael Whiting

HARLEY Bennell's transformation both on and off the field over the past 12 months has been nothing short of remarkable.

The West Australian taken at no.2 in the 2010 NAB AFL Draft was dropped twice last year for failing to attend compulsory training sessions.

On one occasion he returned to the Gold Coast two days later than he was expected from Perth.

Bennell was homesick and his football was suffering.

But since the 19-year-old moved in with teammate Karmichael Hunt and his partner Emma Harding midway through last year, he has not looked back.

He settled down off the field and what has followed on it has given a glimpse into his unlimited potential.

Bennell played the best match of his young 20-game career against Fremantle on Saturday night, racking up 37 disposals and kicking three goals.

He was simply brilliant for all four quarters, almost single-handedly keeping Gold Coast in the contest with two sublime right-footed snaps in the final term resulting in goals.

He also played provider for David Swallow with a beautiful chip pass in the third quarter and looked the freshest of all players at the end of a helter-skelter contest.

Coach Guy McKenna said the biggest change in Bennell's play had been his ability to work both ways.

Bennell himself admitted an off-season dedicated to fitness had helped elevate his output.

"I went to Arizona last year so I think my fitness has got up there a lot. I've lifted my skills a bit too," he said.

McKenna said Bennell's performances over the past two to three weeks had been exceptional because he played his role both offensively and defensively.

"He's playing the football we know he can."

With Hunt and Harding expecting their first child shortly, Bennell has moved in with Jarrod Harbrow, but McKenna said his time with the former rugby league international could not be under-estimated.

He said such a big move was difficult for any draftee, but Hunt had helped ease the transition and settle Bennell down.

"He went and moved in with Karmichael, became his mentor. K is driven and a highly professional person and that was a really good thing for Harley," he said.

"For all these young kids it's a massive year, throwing in living away from home, learning to cook, clean, those grey clouds appear above your head and it becomes hard.

"Harley is very close to his mum and his brothers and his father is a bit crook at the moment as well, so that's an issue, so we manage and help him through that.

"He's earned some respect in the group and I think he feels more comfortable because of that.

"He's very settled off the field and that's showing in his football."