FREMANTLE will take a no-risk approach and leave Stephen Hill in Perth due to another soft-tissue problem ahead of Saturday's encounter with Essendon at Etihad Stadium.

Hill has battled quad issues and a calf setback this year – after a hamstring strain early last season – and will miss the Bombers trip with quad tightness.

Veteran ruckman Aaron Sandilands (calf) has also failed to prove his fitness, but young ruckman Sean Darcy (groin) is expected to play after coming off late in last Sunday's nine-point upset of Port Adelaide.

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Dockers coach Ross Lyon was wary of pushing Hill, and the 28-year-old will miss his 10th game in the past two seasons.

"I think one of his last kicks today (at training) he just felt it, we thought he'd be OK, like Sean Darcy," Lyon said.

"We just don't want to push him through.

"It's certainly not a repeat. It's at (a point where he) almost could play but in that area you risk a significant injury.

"They can be quite tricky, so I was like 'let's just be a bit careful with Stephen, he's a pretty special player to us'.

"He was super last week. It's a big loss but, again, next man up and move on."

Lyon confirmed Darcy Tucker would return after being managed to replace suspended backman Ryan Nyhuis, while Mitch Crowden is in the mix for his first game since round nine.

Big men Lloyd Meek and Luke Strnadica are potential debutants if Darcy isn't fit, but veteran Michael Johnson is also an outside chance as a back-up ruckman.

The rebuilding Dockers knocked over the Dons in round two for their first Optus Stadium win and will be searching for an eighth victory on Saturday, which would equal last year's return.

Harley Bennell won't be on the plane to Melbourne and will instead play his ninth game for the year at Peel, with the Dockers building the former Gold Coast star until he is ready to play midfield. 

"He's progressing really well," Lyon said.

"He's unlimited in how he can sprint and run, so he'll be able to let himself go.

"Therefore, we should see him move a bit freer and then get to work.

"Hopefully from there he can find some form and some run, but he's done a bigger bulk of work."

Lyon reiterated that Bennell would be recontracted beyond 2018 if he stays on track, and regardless of whether he adds to his two Freo appearances this season.

"We have stated that Harley continuing on, we'd like Harley to be here and be contracted," he said.

"That’s our inner belief, and Harley knows that and Colin Young knows that, his manager.

"So all things being equal, regardless of senior football, and progression, Harley will be here and we really value him."