HARLEY Bennell's latest calf setback is less than a grade one tear, and Fremantle coach Ross Lyon expects the injury-plagued midfielder will be in the mix to return after the Western Derby.
The Dockers had primed Bennell for a much-anticipated comeback against West Coast on Sunday, and the 25-year-old was in superb touch for Peel before cruelly being struck down again.
Bennell gathered 27 touches and booted two goals for the Thunder against West Perth last Saturday before suffering a niggle with his troublesome left calf early in the final quarter.
"It was less than a grade one, it was a half-centimetre fascial strain," Lyon said on Friday.
"But he's a little bit sore. I just leave it to rehab and they tell me when they're available.
"He seems in pretty good spirits. He would've been picked. Showed his absolute class up there, (and) had to be tagged after half-time.
"There's no change in the status."
The Dockers host bottom-placed Carlton at Optus Stadium in round 21, and that encounter might serve as Bennell's third appearance in purple in nearly three full seasons since his trade from Gold Coast.
It would seem less likely the Dockers would choose to unveil Bennell on a trip to Geelong to face the Cats in the penultimate round.
Bennell has worked closely with a ballet physiotherapist this year and hasn't sustained a significant calf strain since February, although that injury kept him off the park for more than two months.
He experienced "mild tightness" in June, but has managed 10 WAFL appearances this season.
The former Sun's three-year deal at Freo expires in October, but he is set to be recontracted.
Lyon raised eyebrows this week when he declared he would give Bennell a "10-year contract if it was up to me", but on Friday he was quick to downplay his role in in the decision.
"Everyone's got their opinion on it, but as a list management decision we put it out there we're keen to have Harley here next year," he said.
"Everyone wants to ram home that it's me and I've obviously (been) saying that I'm invested in Harley, but I don't make those decisions, it's list management … and (list manager) Brad Lloyd has final decisions.
"We've seen 10 games in a row now, so there's a bit of body of work and more durability,
"It's not an aponeurosis (setback with his calf) and he's in really good shape and he's buying in.
"There's a lot of people empowered to make the decisions. The uber decision maker doesn't exist.
"Is there ongoing challenge and risk? Yes, but it's about weighing that up.
"No one is more frustrated than Harley, but we always want to support.
"These are young men under a lot of pressure."
