HARLEY Bennell is nearing a Fremantle return but coach Ross Lyon won't recall the injury-plagued star until it is "safe" for him to produce AFL-level running.
Bennell took a significant step forward at Peel last Saturday, spending the majority of his game time in midfield.
It was his third WAFL match back from his latest calf trouble, and the former Sun collected 16 touches and booted a goal in wintry conditions at East Fremantle Oval.
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The Dockers haven't set a return date for Bennell, however he played four games for the Thunder last year before being called up.
Next Sunday's home clash against Adelaide looms as a possibility for his comeback, with Freo then facing Carlton at Etihad Stadium before the bye.
"There's no exact timeframe. He's really settled and patient. Whatever it takes really," Lyon told 6PR radio.
"He played a half-and-a-bit (for Peel) but punched out two-thirds of an AFL game run.
"He'll keep building and whenever we think it's safe for him to play for the team, that he can produce the run required and it's safe for him, and he's in form, all those things ticked off – he would play.
"So there's a few weeks to go yet."
Bennell has only made two appearances in purple since his trade from Gold Coast at the end of 2015 due to ongoing calf issues.
Despite numerous setbacks, including off-field dramas, Lyon has repeatedly backed the 25-year-old to kickstart his stalled career.
"His class shone through on the weekend. It was tough conditions and considering how much footy he's missed over two years he was really exceptional," Lyon said.
"We're holding our breath and he's working incredibly hard. The ballet (physiotherapy) has topped up his program nicely.
"He feels as settled and as strong as he's been since he walked through the door, so that's exciting for our members and fans."
Dockers star Michael Walters believed Bennell could add some firepower to Freo's forward line, but also expected him to have an impact in midfield.
At the Suns, Bennell was a threat as a goalkicking onballer, booting 92 goals in 81 games.
"He's a quality player and he can also give us some driving force through the midfield and up forward as well," Walters said on Wednesday.
"Harley's positive. Even when he was injured, at times he was a bit down, but you can see now that he's really enjoying his footy.
"He's getting close but he's still got some GPS data to hit.
"For those who know Harley, he's pretty confident, and it's a good thing because he's got something to offer this footy club.
"I can't wait to get out there and play with him because everyone knows what sort of player he is."
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