Fremantle coach Ross Lyon admits he feels sick to the stomach whenever he watches Harley Bennell play, but he hopes the butterflies will all be worth it.
Bennell is yet to play a senior game for the Dockers because of career-threatening calf issues.
The 24-year-old made his long-awaited playing return to footy last week when he made it through 60 minutes in Peel Thunder's win over East Perth.
It was Bennell's first match in 16 months, and a significant step forward in his road to full fitness.
Bennell will line up in the WAFL again on Saturday, and he could make his AFL return next month if he can make it through the next few games unscathed.
Lyon said the situation remained on a "knife's edge" because of Bennell's history of calf tears.
"I felt a bit physically ill watching (him play last week) because of the history of it going out of nowhere," Lyon said.
"I think I will be like that for a while.
"Every moment of my existence I would like to play Harley Bennell. Hopefully that opportunity arises.
"He'll build, and build again. He's got a little bit to work through here. We're not going to throw him to the wolves."
Fremantle will be boosted by the return of Cameron McCarthy from suspension for Saturday night's clash with Hawthorn at Domain Stadium.
And midfielder Stephen Hill has been cleared to play despite dislocating his left shoulder during last week's western derby loss to West Coast.
But Harley Balic's future remains up in the air after he was granted indefinite leave earlier this week.
Balic, who was also granted personal leave earlier this season, has flown to Melbourne to be with family.
The 20-year-old is out of contract at the end of this season, but Lyon indicated he would be keen to re-sign Balic if he was open to staying.
"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."
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