Harley Bennell is looking "a million bucks" and will be thrown straight into the midfield mix when he attempts to revive his career for Peel, Fremantle coach Ross Lyon says.
After enduring more frustrating calf setbacks, Bennell is set to play his first game this year against West Perth this Saturday.
The 26-year-old carefully built his game time during previous comeback attempts but will step up to about 85 minutes in a mid-forward role.
Lyon said last August that 2019 would be "make and break" for Bennell, with the former Gold Coast star appearing trim and upbeat during Wednesday's training session at Cockburn.
"I think you're stating the obvious that it's really important to him. I think we all know that, which is fair," Lyon said on Wednesday.
"It's significant because he's a wonderful talent, he's had a lot of adversity and he's persisted and persevered and at this stage he looks to be overcoming it, but we're all cautious based on previous outcomes.
"It's just exciting for him. You can see a bounce in his step. He looks a million bucks. He's lean, he's fit, he's really coming along."
Bennell has played two AFL games in three-and-a-half seasons since crossing from the Suns, and has sought expert advice from Germany and a ballet physiotherapist in the past to solve a series of calf injuries.
The Dockers are also hoping Stephen Hill has put his quad problems behind him as he pushes towards a return.
Hill endured five stints on the sidelines last year and hasn't played in 2019.
But the classy onballer returned to football training this week and impressed on Wednesday with his quick movement and powerful kicking.
Hill is on track to return in three weeks, putting him in line for a senior comeback after the Dockers' round 12 bye.
Small forward Hayden Ballantyne was also buzzing around on the track ahead of a return from his latest hamstring strain in the next fortnight.
Veteran ruckman Aaron Sandilands completed some on-ground running away from the main group as he rehabilitates a long-term calf, with the aim of playing late in the season.
Boom forward recruit Jesse Hogan stayed behind to work on his set shot goalkicking routine after his teammates filtered off the track.
