HARLEY Bennell is on the cusp of his long-awaited AFL comeback, with Fremantle weighing up whether to call up the injury-plagued star for his club debut at home against Richmond on Sunday, or in round 23.
In a boost for the Dockers after their 104-point belting from Sydney, they could finally unveil Bennell after he was traded from Gold Coast at the end of 2015.
A series of calf setbacks threatened the 24-year-old's career but after four consecutive games for Peel – including a 14-disposal, two-goal effort on Saturday – Bennell is now available for AFL selection.
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If he faces the Tigers, it will be two years to the round since he last appeared at the elite level.
The Dockers face Essendon at Etihad Stadium in the final round but will be tempted to unleash Bennell in their last game at Domain Stadium this weekend.
"We're working through it. He's certainly available. A lot to consider," coach Ross Lyon told Channel Seven.
"On the periphery, Harley's family have supported him, and could get to the game.
"But it's just whether we want to push him through for two or one AFL games, so we'll work through that and let everyone know.
"It's really exciting. He's been through a lot and we've been through a lot."
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Bennell has been playing in attack for the Thunder and Dockers small forward Hayden Ballantyne is keen to line up alongside the talented former Sun, who booted 92 goals in 81 games for Gold Coast.
"He promised me he's going to hit me on the chest six times if he plays this weekend, so fingers crossed he gets out there and does that," Ballantyne said.
"He's been playing some good footy down at Peel and we know how much of a super talent he is.
"Hopefully the big fella gets out there because he's exciting and I'd love to get out there and have a game with him."
Meanwhile, Lyon conceded a sore Lachie Neale shouldn't have played in the rout against the Swans.
Neale collected just nine disposals – his lowest tally in the past 62 games – as Freo's midfield was obliterated and the reigning Doig medallist will be rested against the Tigers.
"I spoke to Lachie, he was really sore on the weekend, he shouldn't have played. We made a mistake," Lyon said.
"We'll give him a week to gather himself. He's really important.
"We've got lots of injuries but if he could get up for round 23 and finish the year strongly, we're aiming to do that."
