GOLD Coast has re-signed exciting midfielder Harley Bennell for a further three years.
West Australian Bennell extended his contract until the end of 2017 on the eve of the Suns' match against West Coast at Patersons Stadium on Saturday.
It now ensures the top three picks from the 2010 AFL Draft have all been locked away with David Swallow (No.1) and Sam Day (No.3) recommitting earlier in the year.
Bennell – the No.2 pick from that draft - said he wanted to achieve the ultimate success with his mates.
"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 overcame a severe dose of homesickness during his first year at the Suns, but is now well and truly settled on the Gold Coast and is one of the their most important players.
Bennell said he never considered moving back to his home state to play, despite missing family and friends.
He credited teammate Karmichael Hunt for helping him overcome his homesickness and teaching how to become a better footballer.
"Karmichael and Emma Hunt took me under their wing in late 2011 and played a huge role in my football career," Bennell said on Friday as he arrived in Perth to face West Coast.
"I thank them very much for that."
"(Karmichael helped me with) the off-field side of things, the professionalism, doing extra things to get the best out of myself."
Bennell said he never considered moving back to his home state to play, despite missing family and friends.
He credited teammate Karmichael Hunt for helping him overcome his homesickness and teaching how to become a better footballer.
"Karmichael and Emma Hunt took me under their wing in late 2011 and played a huge role in my football career," Bennell said on Friday as he arrived in Perth to face West Coast.
"I thank them very much for that."
"(Karmichael helped me with) the off-field side of things, the professionalism, doing extra things to get the best out of myself."
While soft tissue injuries curtailed the start of his 2014 season, Bennell has returned to average 19 disposals, two goals and one goal assist in his four matches to date.
Suns list and strategy manager Scott Clayton said Bennell's re-signing was crucial.
"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," Clayton said.
