HARLEY Bennell's hopes of a Western Derby return for Fremantle have been dashed by another calf setback, but the injury-plagued midfielder might only be sidelined for one match.

Bennell pulled up short and reached for his left leg early in the final term of Peel's loss to West Perth on Saturday afternoon.

The former Gold Coast star stayed on the field for several minutes, but was limping noticeably before coming to the bench for treatment on both legs.

Bennell returned to the action briefly before watching the final stages from the bench, having collected 27 touches and booted two goals to seemingly put his name in front of the Dockers' match committee for a long-awaited return.

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But his attempt to add to the two games he has played in nearly three full seasons at Freo has stalled yet again, and it remains doubtful whether he will pull on a purple guernsey in 2018. 

"He was playing exceptionally well. We'd actually set him for the derby," coach Ross Lyon told Channel Seven.

"We think he'll only miss a week, but scans are being conducted tonight.

"We expect him to play (this season) and hopefully play some senior football."

Bennell was making his 10th appearance for Peel this season, building hope a string of calf setbacks that have derailed his career were behind him.

His last significant strain – also to his left calf – occurred in February while he was training at the WAFL club after copping a minimum eight-week suspension by Freo following a nightclub altercation.

Bennell's only hiccup since was when he felt "mild tightness" in his troublesome calves early last month.

While the three-year deal he signed after crossing from the Suns expires this season, coach Ross Lyon has backed Bennell to be a long-term Docker.

"My position is clear. I'd give Harley a 10-year contract if it was up to me," Lyon said.  

"We'll work through those things collaboratively, but we expect him to be playing not this week but next week for the football club."

Coming off a 59-point belting from Hawthorn, Freo will have to make at least one change for the derby, with Cam Sutcliffe (hamstring) set to be sidelined for three weeks.

Spearhead Matt Taberner is likely to come under serious consideration for his first game since breaking his foot in round five after a strong three-goal effort in his Peel return.

"Certainly (he'll) come under heavy consideration. We were thrilled that he was back. We're crying out for some quality talls, we're a little bit thin in that department," Lyon said.

"He played well, Cam McCarthy played well also, so we'll need to look at that and give ourselves an opportunity against West Coast, who are an elite team and elite defence."

Meanwhile, Freo remains hopeful warhorse ruckman Aaron Sandilands will be back in 2018 following his own calf woes which have raised questions about the 35-year-old's future.

Superstar skipper Nat Fyfe (hamstring) is still at least two weeks away, with the round 22 trip to Geelong his earliest possible return date.

"Nat's progressing really well, he’s really strong," high performance manager Jason Weber said.

"He’s ticked off some good KPI’s over the weekend, moving up in his speed.

"We'll look to have him back on the field as soon as possible."