FORMER Sun and Docker Harley Bennell has been signed with the Demons and is now available to select in AFL Fantasy.

The 27-year-old hasn't played a senior game since 2017 as he's battled persistent calf injuries since leaving Gold Coast in 2015.

Bennell suffered a range of injuries to both calves, restricting him to just two games for Fremantle at AFL level and 19 for WAFL affiliate Peel Thunder in his four years in Western Australia.

Bennell has been training with Melbourne since December, hoping to be granted an AFL lifeline through the Pre-Season Supplemental Selection Period.

Despite a minor calf injury in January, Bennell is now a member of the Demons' squad and can be selected in their senior side.

Fantasy coaches wishing to pick Bennell will pay $224,000 and can select him as a MID; however, he is unlikely to play early in the season.

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AFL.com.au's Mitch Cleary joined The Traders on their podcast suggesting coaches should look at him mid-season.

"I wouldn’t be putting him in my round one team. He's probably a downgrade option for later in the season," Cleary said.

"Maybe get that (trade) finger ready around the bye rounds once he's got some games under his belt."

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Bennell is likely to start in the VFL as he eases his way into returning to senior football.

Fantasy coaches were impressed with his numbers early in his career. In 2012, his second season at the Suns, Bennell averaged 84.9 from 22 games. His best return was the round 19 game against Melbourne where he racked up 38 disposals and kicked four goals to finish with 156 Fantasy points.

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Despite playing 15 games in each of the next three years at the Suns, Bennell returned season averages of 85.4, 85.4 and 92 before being traded to Fremantle.

Although Bennell may not be in round one calculations, he could be a downgrade target and provide handy bench cover in the back half of the season. 

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