Harley Bennell edging closer to another Fremantle Dockers return

Bennell compiled a stat line of 16 disposals, three tackles, one goals and two behinds playing a midfield/forward role in the Thunder’s loss to East Fremantle, bringing him into the Dockers’ selection frame.

It’s expected he will play one more week for Fremantle’s affiliate side in the state league before being seriously considered for the AFL club’s best 22, but the maligned midfielder’s form is at its best since he returned to footy in Peel’s round six clash with Claremont.

The 25-year-old has suffered numerous setbacks through a calf injury and off-field issues, but at full flight he has the potential to be a game-changer for the Dockers, particularly in their struggling forward line.

It took Bennell almost two years to get on the park after being traded to Fremantle in 2015, with his first games in a purple jumper coming late last season in showings against Richmond and Essendon.

He compiled three goals across those two games, and looked primed to start 2018 in the Dockers’ top side before further off-field setbacks and injuries hindered his pre-season.

Now, should his progress continue with Peel, the Pinjarra junior looks primed for another return to the elite level.

“If he keeps progressing like this we know we’re going to have a really good player. He just needs a bit of luck with his body,” Fremantle senior coach Ross Lyon said.

“If he keeps playing his part, we’ll keep playing ours and hopefully in the end we’re all vindicated.

“We’ve got a special player at the club, but there’s plenty of hurdles to jump. But he’s well on the way.”

Lyon declared his club would “double down” on its rebuild and return its focus to youth after a dour loss to North Melbourne last weekend.

Youngster Stefan Giro has impressed mightily in his first four outings for Peel Thunder, averaging a shade above 25 disposals per game to go with just under five tackles.

The South Australian prospect has been earmarked for a Dockers debut in their round 11 clash with Collingwood, while Taylin Duman’s form with the Thunder has him poised for a return.

The pair have been tipped to replace veterans Danyle Pearce and Michael Johnson in the Dockers’ squad, which will be settled on Friday afternoon.