Fremantle coach Ross Lyon confirmed Harley Bennell would play 60 minutes of game time in his WAFL return with Peel Thunder at Leederville Oval on Saturday.

Bennell will make his long-awaited return to the football field, 16 months since his last appearance in round one of the 2016 WAFL season.

The former Gold Coast Sun, 24, is yet to add to his 81 AFL games since joining the Dockers in the 2015 trade period due to persistent calf injuries.

But Lyon told Seven News this weekend’s WAFL alignment derby against East Perth would be a “step in the right direction” for the luckless midfielder.

“It’s really pleasing, but we don’t expect a huge amount,” Lyon said.

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“We know everyone will get there and watch him but for Harley, who has persisted and persevered and showed good resilience, it’s a step in the right direction.

“He’ll only play about 60 minutes but it’s a good start.”

Bennell was named in the Thunder’s reserves side against West Perth last Saturday but didn’t take the field, meaning he only needs four more games to qualify for WAFL finals.