Harley Bennell is set to play increased minutes in the WAFL this Saturday as he continues his recovery from calf injury, according to senior coach Ross Lyon.
Lyon said Bennell is likely to play another three matches at WAFL level before being considered for an AFL comeback – starting this Saturday against Subiaco at Rushton Park.
Bennell is expected to play about 60-70 minutes for the Thunder this Saturday, if he is cleared to play after suffering a perforated eardrum.
According to Lyon, the elite midfield talent has benefited significantly from his work with a ballet physiotherapist in an attempt to strengthen his calves.
"We're keeping our fingers crossed," Lyon said.
"I need to send her a box of chocolates – the physiotherapist from the ballet – what she's done with him has really contributed strongly and complemented the program we had in place.
"He's actually running as freely and with high-end speed and power as we've seen since he's been here.
"If that can keep happening we can all start to get a little bit excited.”
Lyon praised Bennell’s resilience through what has been a difficult period.
"The kid's been to hell and back. Under a lot of scrutiny, sometimes brought upon himself, sometimes not fair, not accurate,” Lyon said.
"But he'll just keep working through. He's showed great resilience and we don't want to lose players with his level of talent out of the game for whatever reason.”
