HARLEY Bennell has revealed that a dinner with Ross Lyon helped convince him that Fremantle was the club he wanted to be traded to.

Bennell, 23, was traded to the Dockers during the NAB AFL trade period following five seasons at the Gold Coast Suns.

The troubled midfielder spoke publicly for the first time at Fremantle's annual members' meeting on Wednesday night, having returned early to pre-season training on Monday. 

"Ross got me and my mother around for a barbeque," Bennell said.

"We shared some stories. He had some funny stories. That was nice of him to get my mother and myself around.

"We went over a few things. He shared his lifestyle growing up and I shared mine."

Bennell also revealed that he had caught up with Fremantle stars Michael Walters and Michael Johnson for a coffee recently.

Both men have endured their own off-field issues but have become leaders and role models at Fremantle.

Bennell said he was excited to be home after a tumultuous season at the Suns that saw him eventually sacked by the club after a string of off-field indiscretions.

He said he was particularly excited to get the opportunity to play in front of his family and friends.

"I think my mum only came over to the Gold Coast maybe six or seven times to watch me play footy," Bennell said.

"But having her and my brothers and sisters at every home game will be a dream come true."