Fremantle recruit Harley Bennell will miss the opening rounds of the season, coach Ross Lyon has confirmed.
Bennell enjoyed an impressive game for Peel Thunder on the weekend, collecting 23 disposals and booting four goals, however, he also re-injured his troublesome calf during the match.
“Unfortunately, Harley strained his calf coming out of Saturday’s game.” Lyon said.
“He’s worked incredibly hard, and we’re really disappointed.
“It’s not unusual, and calves can be a bit tricky.
“Clearly, it’s not ideal but we’ll get the professionals onto it.”
However, Lyon said that Bennell's injury would not affect selection for this week's match, with the club always planning on easing the 23-year-old into the side, rather than rushing him in for the opening game against the Western Bulldogs.
“Harley was never going to play in round one,” he said.
“We said he was going to play round two, and that was the plan.
“He’ll be a loss, but it’s next man in, all clubs deal with injuries.
“That’s AFL footy, it’s full of disappointments but it’s about how you respond and how you fight back.”
“I spoke to Harley yesterday and he’s in a good frame of mind.
“We’ve got full faith in Harley, and we’ve got to find a solution for him.”