The playing return of Fremantle midfielder Anthony Morabito could be put on hold until next year as the Dockers take an extra cautious approach with the unlucky 22-year-old.
Morabito, who underwent a third reconstruction of his troublesome left knee in January, has been back in training for more than two months but is still being held back from risky contact drills.
With the season nearing its end, Dockers' coach Ross Lyon said there was a distinct possibility Morabito wouldn't return to playing duties in 2013.
Morabito, who comes out of contract this year, remains hopeful the club will offer him a new one-year deal.
Lyon said although Morabito was edging closer to the end of his rehabilitation, the 190cm wingman was still experiencing soreness in his knee every now and then.
"There is about 100 boxes you have to tick coming off reco," Lyon said.
"You have to understand it's his third reconstruction, so he's at about box 90.
"He has a lot more hurdles, another 10 or so to jump, and they are significant hurdles.
"There is certainly no pressure on Anthony to return.
"Occasionally, he will have some soreness in the knee where we will need to back it off and those things. There is a fair bit of work to go."
Morabito made a stunning start to his AFL career in 2010, booting 13 goals in 23 games as the Dockers made it all the way to the semi-finals.
But three serious knee injuries since have cast doubts over whether his body will be able to handle the rigours of elite football.
Morabito opted for traditional knee reconstructions in the first two instances, but chose to undergo LARS in January when his knee buckled for a third time.
Meanwhile, Fremantle are set to regain ruckman Aaron Sandilands and defender Nick Suban for Saturday night's clash with Adelaide at Patersons Stadium.
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