AFL Rd 2 - Carlton v Melbourne
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 13: Harley Bennell of the Demons in action during the 2020 AFL Round 02 match between the Carlton Blues and the Melbourne Demons at Marvel Stadium on June 13, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin says recruit Harley Bennell has to improve in certain areas of his game to break back into the Demon's line-up.

Bennell had played his first match since 2017 against Carlton in Round 2, but was dropped after picking up 14 disposals. He played a scratch match against Geelong last weekend.

Goodwin said Bennell has to fix elements of his game after missing a lot of footy.

"Harley is still working on some things in his games that we are working with him. He's missed a lot of footy," Goodwin told reporters on Thursday.

"From his role that he needs to play, and we have spoken to Harley, he is still building his ability to run at the right intensity [and] to run for long enough. On the weekend that was much improved, especially offensive side of the ball.

"We're continuing to work with him certainly around his contest and defensive elements of his game required within his role.

"He's missed a lot of footy so our expectation is he's not going to be perfect in that space.

"He does bring something unique to our team, but we just need to make sure he can fill that role to the best of his ability.

"In Round 2, we didn't have Kossie Pickett available. Harley got a game in that role based on a needs perspective.

"We've been really clear that it's going to be a role-for-role type selection for us, He got that game based on availability of people within that role.

"Now he has to work a little bit harder to get back into the team.

"It's been a long time since we had this pressure for spots."

The Demons have made several changes to their side in the early rounds of this season, but Goodwin believes they need a more stable selection.

"We need to settle our team," he said.

The Demons face Richmond at the MCG on Sunday afternoon.