AFL star Bennell settles out of court

Gold Coast AFL player Harley Bennell is free to pursue a trade to a new club after settling a public nuisance charge out of court.

The talented but troubled 22-year-old was informed by the Suns he would be traded away from the club earlier this month after he was charged by police during a night out at Surfers Paradise.

It's reported Bennell got himself into hot water after slapping a cigarette out of the mouth of a bouncer outside a nightclub.

Bennell was expected to face Southport Magistrates Court this week but his manager Colin Young told AAP the matter had been settled after Bennell paid a fine.

The September 6 incident was the last straw in Bennell's troubled time with the Suns.

In July Bennell was given a fine and a three-game suspended ban by the Suns after photos of him appearing to use illicit drugs at a Tasmanian hotel in 2013 were published nationwide.

The West Australian product had also been stood down for a match earlier in the year after breaching team alcohol protocols.

Bennell has reportedly already held talks with Fremantle and Richmond ahead of the AFL trade period beginning in October.