Fremantle AFL coach Ross Lyon is hoping for a slice of good fortune as Harley Bennell edges closer to his latest football comeback.
Bennell has been plagued by calf injuries since joining the Dockers at the end of 2015, and is yet to feature in the WAFL this year after suffering a series of setbacks during the pre-season.
But hopes are high the 26-year-old can make a return within a fortnight after he completed a match simulation session last weekend.
Bennell pulled up well from that hit-out and is on track to play for Peel Thunder in their June 2 clash with Subiaco.
Lyon has been thrilled to see Bennell's progress but he's not getting carried away just yet.
"I'm circumspect and Harley's circumspect, and we should all be," Lyon said.
"But he trained really well with that session on the weekend and he's progressing.
"But we just want to stay in the moment with him.
"We're keeping our fingers crossed."
Lyon praised Bennell's ability to stay focused despite the numerous setbacks.
"He's committed," Lyon said.
"With any significant event you're sort of in shock, anger, and then you give it meaning and you move on. Different personalities process that at a different pace.
"So he's certainly been able to do that again, get back on the horse again and go.
"I've often said if it was me I would have flicked the bails and been elsewhere by now.
"But his persistence and perseverance has made him a stronger football character. We've just got to hold our breath a little bit."
The Dockers will give young forward Sam Sturt a further four weeks to recover from his second concussion of the season.
Ruckman Aaron Sandilands (calf) is due to return to running duties this week, while Hayden Ballantyne (hamstring) and Stephen Hill (quad) could return to playing duties within a month.
Fremantle are expected to recall fit-again midfielder Connor Blakely for Saturday night's clash with Essendon at Marvel Stadium.
Blakely, who underwent hamstring surgery during the off-season, has performed strongly in his two WAFL games, and looms as a key inclusion against the struggling Bombers.
Fremantle are aiming to bounce back from losses to Adelaide and Richmond.
