Notwithstanding a desire to take Harley Bennell’s return from multiple calf injuries slowly, Ross Lyon has not left any ambiguity in his hopes to see the talented midfielder back playing AFL football.

Bennell played his first game of WAFL in 483 days at the weekend, kicking a goal and picking up 12 disposals for Peel Thunder against East Perth at Leederville Oval.

The 24-year-old's playing time was limited to 60 minutes at full forward as the former no.2 draft pick was eased back into football.

Bennell arrived at Fremantle from the Gold Coast during the 2015 trade period and hasn’t featured at AFL level since round 22, 2015. 

Lyon didn’t hold back when asked if he hoped to see Bennell playing for Fremantle in 2017.

“Every moment of my existence I would like to play Harley Bennell, hopefully, that opportunity arises,” Lyon said.

“He’s building, but I felt physically ill watching (the game) because of the history (of calf injuries).

“I think I’ll be like that for a while and Harley will be (too).”

With Fremantle taking a careful approach, Lyon couldn’t give an indication on when Bennell could return.

“We are building, there’s no exact plan,” Lyon said.

“He’ll build and he has a little bit to work through here.

“We’re not going to throw him to the wolves. We’d like to get some momentum more than anything and some continuity in his footy and build into a pre-season and a full season and have that A-grader return.

“We’re all really interested – every moment of my existence over the past two years I wish he’d been playing at his capacity, we’ve got to build that up but we’re all still on a knife’s edge here.” 

Meanwhile, second-year midfielder Harley Balic's potential return for Freo remains up in the air.

Balic has returned to Melbourne on indefinite leave of absence after a hamstring setback at training last week. 

The 20-year-old, who also took a leave of absence in May for a personal issue, is out of contract at season's end. 

"Our support is still wrapped around Harley," Lyon said.

"I've got a wonderful relationship with him, he's very transparent with me and shares how he's feeling and the challenges.

"We'll all sit down together and work out what's best for Harley, primarily, and the club as well."