FREMANTLE could be boosted by the returns of star midfielder Stephen Hill and goalsneak Hayden Ballantyne from hamstring injuries for Sunday's clash with Carlton. 

Hill has been missing since round five after straining his hamstring in the final quarter of the Dockers' win over North Melbourne, while Ballantyne has missed the entire season so far after undergoing hamstring tendon surgery in March. 

Both players will face fitness tests at training this week.

"Hayden had a significant hamstring injury. He has trained really well over the past couple of weeks," high performance manager Jason Weber told fremantlefc.com.au. 

"We are confident that after a strong week under his belt that we will get him to match committee and available for selection. 

"(Hill) has trained really well and we are looking for a strong week from him and getting him to match committee and being available for selection."

It is unclear whether Ballantyne will return at AFL level or work his way back via Peel Thunder, however the Dockers could have an opening for a small forward if Brady Grey fails to overcome a sore shoulder suffered in the last-gasp win over Richmond. 

"Brady had an incident late on his left shoulder, at this stage we will be checking through it this week and getting him to training and seeing how he goes," Weber said.

"He will be a test for this weekend."

Freo's injury list is shrinking, with Josh Deluca making a successful return from a groin injury for Peel's reserves on Saturday and picking up 27 touches.

The Dockers are hopeful troubled star Harley Bennell will make his long-awaited return from persistent calf issues for the Thunder in about five-to-six weeks.