EXILED Fremantle star Harley Bennell remains in a "good headspace" despite his calf issues flaring again during his stint training at Peel Thunder, recruit Brandon Matera says. 

Bennell is undertaking a 21-day rehabilitation program after suffering a minor tear in his left calf last week in an area unrelated to previous injuries. 

The Dockers have resisted bringing Bennell back to their Cockburn training base to complete his rehab, with the 25-year-old's club-imposed ban not due to expire until early next month.

Matera, who was an inaugural Gold Coast player alongside Bennell, said his injury-plagued friend has kept his chin up after his recent setback. 

"He's in a good headspace actually, it's not where his problems have been, so that's a good sign," Matera said. 

"He's done all the right things for it so far. 

"We're obviously pretty tight. 

"I've caught up with him a couple of times, he's looking fit and he's obviously really looking forward to getting back here to the club and showing, not proving, that he wants to be here."

Bennell was a match-winner at the Suns but Fremantle hasn't yet reaped a return on its investment in the former No.2 draft pick, who has played only two games in purple.

However, Matera backed Bennell to return to his brilliant best if he can stay on the park in the final season of his three-year deal.

"I have seen games playing with him on the Gold Coast and he can turn it on, he can change a game, he can win a game off his own boot," he said.  

"Freo fans haven’t seen that here yet but once he is back here and done all the right things hopefully he can get out there as soon as he can and it would be an exciting time for Freo if he can stay fit."

Matera has battled his own injury issues during his 101-game career – including a foot stress reaction last year - and has never managed 20 appearances in a season. 

But the goalsneak is feeling confident in his body after completing only his second pre-season without any hiccups.

The arrival of Matera, who was traded last year in exchange for a 2018 third-round draft pick, should unleash Michael Walters into the engine room this season and give Freo another avenue to goal at ground level.

But, so far, coach Ross Lyon's main instructions to the ex-Sun have been about bringing defensive heat. 

"As a small forward that's pretty much your role is (that) pressure role," Matera said.

"Obviously over here it's probably regarded (more) highly than at Gold Coast. 

"Ross hasn't really said much about scoring goals.  

"Everyone loves to kick a goal, but my role at the moment is just the pressure stuff, doing the right things for the team, being in the right spots and then the goals are the bonus."