Fremantle coach Ross Lyon is optimistic Harley Bennell will play an AFL game this year, but time is running out for the prized recruit.
Bennell hasn't played an AFL match since crossing from Gold Coast to Fremantle at the end of 2015.
But after overcoming a series of career-threatening calf issues, Bennell is edging closer to an AFL return.
The 24-year-old has made it through three WAFL hit-outs unscathed, and will be back in action for Peel Thunder in Saturday's clash with Perth in Mandurah.
Fremantle have three matches left in their season - against Sydney (SCG), Richmond (home), and Essendon (Etihad Stadium).
Despite Fremantle being out of finals contention, Lyon said it would be good to include Bennell for at least one AFL hit-out this year.
"To fuel his belief - if he's available for AFL football, it would be great if we could give him that opportunity," Lyon said.
"And if he keeps progressing in the manner that he is, he will. He's growing every week.
"You'll see another progression in output and time on the ground this week."
Bennell, who has been playing exclusively as a forward, tallied just eight disposals in his last WAFL hit-out, but Lyon wasn't concerned with the quiet display.
Forward Matt Taberner might be given the chance to save his own career in Saturday's clash with Sydney at the SCG.
Taberner has played just five games this season - the last being in round 11 when he kicked one goal from eight disposals in a loss to Collingwood.
The 24-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season, and faces an uphill battle to win a new deal.
But with small forward Brady Grey (hamstring) out injured, Lyon said Taberner, Josh Deluca, and Ryan Nyhuis were all in the selection mix.
When asked whether he would like to see Taberner back in the side this week, Lyon replied: "It's not about personally what I want.
"I mean, Jon Griffin's one of my favourites, but I haven't been able to play him (much) all year.
"Taberner is certainly in the mix this week, but there's no guarantees."
Lyon said ruckman Sean Darcy, who was annoyed at being rested for last week's loss to Gold Coast, was also no guarantee to return.
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