AARON Sandilands will face some challenges coming back from hamstring surgery but Fremantle coach Ross Lyon has no doubt the veteran ruckman will continue his decorated career next season.
The 34-year-old will go under the knife to repair his hamstring tendon on Wednesday after lasting less than a quarter in his comeback from tendon inflammation against St Kilda on Sunday.
Sandilands recently signed a one-year contract extension to play on in 2018 and Lyon was "full of confidence" that the 211cm big man will bounce back.
"Does it come with challenge at his age? Yeah, of course it does with the wear and tear over a long period of time," he said.
"But they've never been better conditioned, looked after and not beaten up during the week. It avails itself to play longer, we're seeing that right throughout the League.
"It's a legitimate question with his age and profile, but certainly it can be done – and will be done."
Lyon praised Sandilands as a "special person" whose leadership, and mentoring of raw youngster Sean Darcy, would remain invaluable next season.
Darcy has made an outstanding start to his career – averaging 15 disposals and 36.5 hit-outs in two games – and looks set to shoulder the ruck load against North Melbourne star Todd Goldstein this Sunday.
The Dockers could bring in extra support via Matt Taberner or Jon Griffin, while out-of-favour forward Shane Kersten is an option to replace suspended spearhead Cam McCarthy.
McCarthy's impact dipped over the past six games – he averaged just eight disposals and booted five goals – and the 22-year-old will be given the chance to rest up before the run home.
"It's been a big load off a year off," Lyon said. "He's done everything and this is the hardest part of the year.
"He was a bit sore in his groins. He'll train … but we'll probably freshen him up a little bit."
The Dockers hope silky onballer Stephen Hill (calf) will be fit to face the Roos, while young gun Connor Blakely is available after his club-imposed suspension.
Lyon confirmed injury-plagued star Harley Bennell was aiming to make his much-anticipated comeback for Peel next Saturday.
The 24-year-old hasn't played since March last year after repeated setbacks with his troublesome calves.
"We're not expecting miracles – there will be no judgement on form," Lyon said.
"If he plays next week … he can build and maybe get a handful of senior games before the end.
"On the surface he's excited, but underneath there would be some anxiety, I would think."
Meanwhile, Lyon delivered a bake to Griffin Logue after he cost the Dockers a 50m penalty and certain goal in the nine-point loss to St Kilda.
Instead of returning the ball to Tim Membrey, the young Docker passed to Nick Riewoldt, who was criticised for calling for the ball.
"I didn't think much about Nick, but I thought a fair bit about (how) Griffin needs to sharpen up and understand the rules and become a pro," Lyon said.
"I thought it was professional (by Riewoldt)."
The Dockers (6-8) will be aiming to break a five-game losing streak when they face the Roos at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
