GETTING the best out of Harley Bennell can be both frustrating and exciting, but Gold Coast coach Rodney Eade believes he has the answer.

Bennell is one of the most gifted players in the AFL, but a combination of on-field inconsistency and off-field misdemeanours has stifled progress in his 72-game career.

His best is blistering and can single-handedly win matches for his team, as he did against Geelong last season, kicking six goals in a dominant 27-disposal display.

On the flipside, Bennell has already been challenged by teammates this season to be more consistent, and been demoted to the reserves for failing player-imposed alcohol guidelines.

After working with the 22-year-old for six months, Eade believes he is slowly on the right path to producing the key that consistently unlocks Bennell's best.

"I've coached blokes that are free spirits, that play on instincts, and Harley's an instinctive player," Eade told AFL.com.au.

"There's just some rough edges to his game we need to teach and that's the same with any young players.

"I think he wants to get better, he wants to improve.

"He's on the right track and he just needs some more guidance on how we want him to play."

Just as big a factor in the Bennell package has been his off-field behaviour.

His recent dumping to the twos was not the first time he'd been sanctioned for an incident away from the field.

While some at the club are concerned about the repeated slip-ups, Eade says he has seen a change.

"I think we're making some progress," he said.

"I think he realises at times he hasn't been totally professional, but that's an education process."