Harley Bennell's hopes of a Western Derby return for Fremantle have been dashed by another calf setback, but the midfielder might only be sidelined for one match, according to senior coach Ross Lyon.
Bennell pulled up short and reached for his left leg early in the final term of Peel's loss to West Perth on Saturday afternoon.
He stayed on the field for several minutes, but was limping noticeably before coming to the bench for treatment on both legs.
Bennell returned to the action briefly before watching the final stages from the bench, having collected 27 touches and booted two goals to seemingly put his name in front of Fremantle's match committee for a long-awaited return.
"He was playing exceptionally well. We'd actually set him for the derby," coach Ross Lyon told Channel Seven.
"We think he'll only miss a week, but scans are being conducted tonight.
"We expect him to play (this season) and hopefully play some senior football."
Bennell was making his 10th appearance for Peel this season, building hope a string of calf setbacks that have derailed his career were behind him.
While the three-year deal he signed after crossing from the Suns expires this season, coach Ross Lyon has backed Bennell to be a long-term Docker.
"My position is clear. I'd give Harley a 10-year contract if it was up to me," Lyon said.
"We'll work through those things collaboratively, but we expect him to be playing not this week but next week for the football club."
Coming off a 59-point belting from Hawthorn, Freo will have to make at least one change for the derby, with Cam Sutcliffe (hamstring) set to be sidelined for three weeks.
Spearhead Matt Taberner is likely to come under serious consideration for his first game since breaking his foot in round five after a strong three-goal effort in his Peel return.
"Certainly (he'll) come under heavy consideration. We were thrilled that he was back. We're crying out for some quality talls, we're a little bit thin in that department," Lyon said.
"He played well, Cam McCarthy played well also, so we'll need to look at that and give ourselves an opportunity against West Coast, who are an elite team and elite defence."
