FREMANTLE has breathed a huge sigh of relief after injury-plagued star Harley Bennell got through his much-anticipated comeback game unscathed in Peel's convincing WAFL win over East Perth on Saturday.

In his first match at any level for 16 months after battling repeated calf issues, Bennell picked up 12 touches and booted a goal in a lively display at Leederville Oval.

The 24-year-old lined-up at full-forward at the opening bounce and was isolated inside 50 for long stretches.

He rarely ventured far beyond the arc during his roughly seven-minute bursts on the field, interspersed by rests on the bench, but seemed untroubled at any stage by his calves.

Bennell had six touches by quarter-time and peppered the goals – with one flying shot sailing out on the full and a set shot pushed wide for a behind – and grew in confidence as the contest wore on.

A one-handed pick-up in slippery conditions reminded of the class he showed in 81 games for Gold Coast.

After collecting nine touches and kicking a behind in the opening half, Bennell slotted his goal six minutes into the third quarter.

The 24-year-old won a holding free-kick in the pocket and, after opening up the angle, split the middle with a curling shot that would've brought a smile to the face of Dockers coach Ross Lyon in the grandstand.

 

Bennell showed flashes of his trademark explosiveness in the heavy conditions and his day was done early in the final term after he completed the allotted 60 minutes playing time.

"He got through really well," Dockers general manager of football operations Chris Bond said.

"Obviously we managed his minutes pretty well, but we also managed his distance and speed.

"We're really pleased. It was important for Harley and great to see.

"He was just really happy (post-match). It was good to see his family there as well, because it's been a long journey.

"Now we'll just see how he recovers."

There were more good signs for Fremantle with tall forward Matt Taberner booting five-straight goals from 27 touches and taking 10 marks in the wet.

Taberner slotted a career-high six majors for Peel last round but wasn't called up by Freo for Sunday's Western Derby.

A hamstring injury suffered at training this week kept young Freo midfielder Harley Balic out of Saturday's clash, while Ed Langdon was another notable absentee.

Peel won 12.7 (79) to 7.9 (51), and the victory was largely inspired by Cam Sutcliffe's 31 touches, 10 tackles and a goal.

Big man Jonathon Griffin (45 hit-outs) was highly influential, while Josh Deluca had 22 disposals and kicked a goal. Brady Grey was held over by Freo for Sunday's Western Derby.

Eagles emergencies Sharrod Wellingham and Jack Redden were also held back from the clash at Leederville.

West Coast onballer Luke Partington had 28 disposals and kicked a clever snap goal to stay in the senior selection mix, while fellow youngster Tom Cole (25) fought hard.

Fremantle key defender Sam Collins lined-up for Peel, indicating Joel Hamling (hip/pelvis) got through his fitness test on Saturday morning ahead of a looming battle with West Coast star Josh Kennedy in Sunday's Western Derby.

WA under-18s star and potential top-30 draft pick Aaron Naughton impressed in his first senior WAFL game for the Thunder, finishing with 16 touches and seven marks in defence.