FREMANTLE is taking a cautious approach with Harley Bennell and won't risk the injury-plagued star at Peel this Saturday after his latest calf episode.

Bennell experienced mild calf tightness early in the Thunder's win over Claremont last Saturday, cutting short his fourth consecutive appearance.

The former Sun didn't play any part in the second half and will sit out Peel's home clash with West Perth this weekend.

Dockers coach Ross Lyon was cautiously optimistic Bennell, who hasn't yet been sent for scans this week, would be cleared to face South Fremantle on June 16.

"It's been quite tricky getting him to the line consistently, so I certainly don’t sit here and guarantee it," he said.
"It's (his latest calf issue) really at the lower end, and it's really gone to the other side.

"Soleus is the endurance component of the calf, it's endurance and fatigue … he's trying to catch up a long way, it's going to take a bit of time, unfortunately."

Before experiencing tightness, Bennell had been closing in on his third appearance for Fremantle since his trade from Gold Coast at the end of 2015.

He looked a class above picking up 16 touches and booting a goal on limited game time against East Fremantle before last weekend's setback.

"He played on a heavy ground at East Fremantle, played in the midfield, was really good," Lyon said.

The Dockers were crossing their fingers a regime including ballet physiotherapy would see Bennell back at the elite level soon.

But, for now, the luckless 25-year-old remains stalled on 83 career games and 95 goals since making his debut for the Suns in 2011.