INJURY-CURSED Fremantle star Harley Bennell has taken a significant step toward his much-anticipated return, training with the Dockers' full squad for the first time this season at an open training session
Bennell could be as little as 2-3 weeks from his comeback after suffering repeated calf trouble since his last appearance for Peel Thunder in March last year.
He last played at senior AFL level in round 22, 2015 for Gold Coast against Port Adelaide.
The 24-year-old appeared in good spirits and moved freely on the training track on Wednesday.
He joined in the full warm-up, strode out at pace during run-throughs and completed skills work with his teammates before the session was closed to media.
The former Gold Coast midfielder has been earmarked by coach Ross Lyon for an explosive role in attack – a la Hawthorn star Cyril Rioli – with bursts in midfield when he finally makes his Dockers debut.
Bennell booted 92 goals from 81 games for the Suns before he was traded to Fremantle at the end of 2015, and could add some X-factor to the Dockers' youthful forward line.
But he will return via the WAFL before he is considered for AFL selection.
Bennell has undergone a painstaking rehabilitation marred by setbacks and some controversial off-field incidents.
In April, he was asked to disembark a flight to the Gold Coast for being intoxicated while he was on club leave in the wake of his latest two-month calf setback.
Bennell was then fined $10,000 – half suspended – and ordered to undergo counselling to deal with his personal issues following a club investigation into his bizarre behaviour at a Peel match in May.
Harley Bennell time's at Fremantle
October 2015 – Bennell is traded to Fremantle on a three-year deal after running out of chances at Gold Coast following several off-field incidents. The Dockers gave up picks 16 and 35 to the Suns for Bennell and pick 22.
March 2016 – After a gradual build-up during pre-season, Bennell appeared in the Dockers' final NAB Challenge match and starred in round one of the WAFL, booting four goals. But he injured his right calf during the game and was ruled out for 10 weeks.
May 2016 – The Dockers rule Bennell out for the season after he tears his calf again.
November 2016 – Bennell tears his "good" left calf at training and is sent to Germany in December for specialist treatment from Dr Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt, or 'Healing Hans'.
January 2017 – Fined $400 and disqualified from driving for nine months after being caught driving while his licence was suspended in December.
February 2017 – Ross Lyon rules Bennell out of Freo's round one clash but hopes the 24-year-old will be available in the "early rounds" of the season.
March 2017 – Bennell is spotted at Fremantle Hospital after pulling up sore from a heavier training workload.
April 5, 2017 – Suffers a minor calf tear at training, expected to delay his return by 7-10 days.
April 10, 2017 - Follow-up scans reveal a more severe injury, set to sideline him for 8-10 weeks.
April 16, 2017 – Asked to disembark a flight from Melbourne to Gold Coast shortly after boarding for being intoxicated. Bennell was on club-approved leave.
May 16, 2017 – Bennell is fined $10,000 – half suspended for 12 months – and ordered to undergo counselling to deal with his personal issues after a club investigation into his bizarre behaviour at a Peel match. A plan for him to play within 5-6 weeks is mapped out.
June 21, 2017 – Bennell joins in Fremantle's main training group for the first time this season during a session open to media.
