HARLEY Bennell is almost certain to return to Gold Coast's senior team next week after earning the seal of approval from coach Rodney Eade.

Bennell played in the NEAFL on Saturday and finished with 37 disposals and one goal as Gold Coast was thumped by Greater Western Sydney's reserves by 130 points.

He was sanctioned during the week and forced to play in the NEAFL after images of him were splashed across national newspapers in a Tasmanian hotel room, allegedly with illicit drugs.

"I would think at this stage he'd play next week," Eade said.

"You judge players on their persistence. Harley's had 30-odd possessions and there's parts of his game he needs to work on, but I thought generally he played pretty well and worked hard."

He is now available for the Suns' match against Adelaide next Saturday.

And in an encouraging sign for GWS, former No.1 draft pick Jon Patton kicked seven goals in his second match back from a knee reconstruction, along with seven marks.

Patton had five at half-time and looked good against a weakened Suns outfit, taking a mix of contested marks and some on the lead.

Giants coach Leon Cameron said he would likely need another two or three weeks in the NEAFL before being considered for the seniors.

Jack Martin also made his comeback after six weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, and finished with 16 disposals.

He will play in the NEAFL again next week to serve a one-match suspension for breaking the team's alcohol policy ahead of round nine against Hawthorn.