Fremantle forward Jesse Hogan could return from a foot injury in the coming weeks, but the AFL career of Harley Bennell appears to be over.
Bennell suffered a significant tear to his right calf while playing in the WAFL on Saturday.
The former Sun has been plagued by calf injuries during his four years at Fremantle, and the latest setback could spell the end of his career given he is out of contract at the end of the season.
But the news is much better for Hogan, with scans revealing a right mid-foot sprain, which is unrelated to the serious navicular injury he suffered playing for Melbourne last season.
The Dockers say Hogan will return to playing duties "in the coming weeks".
Fremantle football operations manager Peter Bell was shattered for Bennell.
"It's incredibly disappointing for Harley and the club, particularly given the injury setbacks he has endured during the past three years," Bell said.
"Even more so given that he was slowly building and working his way towards a potential return to playing at AFL level.
"We all know what Harley has had to work through and how incredibly resilient and determined he is.
"We will wrap our arms around him and provide all the support he requires while he rehabilitates the injury."
No date has been set for Stephen Hill's return.
Hill injured his hamstring in Saturday's loss to Melbourne, but the Dockers say the injury isn't serious.
Australian Associated Press
