Fremantle coach Ross Lyon wants to give Harley Bennell a contract extension despite the midfielder's latest calf injury.
Bennell's chances of earning an AFL recall for Sunday's western derby are over after he tweaked his left calf in the WAFL last Saturday.
Lyon hopes the injury will only rule Bennell out for one week but the club will assess scans before putting a time frame on the 25-year-old's return.
Bennell has played just two games for Fremantle during his three years at the club and his contract runs out at the end of this season.
Just two weeks ago Lyon said he wanted to give Bennell a contract extension and the latest setback hasn't changed his mind.
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"My position is clear. I'd give Harley a 10-year contract if it was up to me," Lyon told Channel Seven.
"He was playing exceptionally well (in the WAFL). We'd actually set him for the derby.
"We think he'll only miss a week but scans are being conducted.
"We expect him to play (this season) and hopefully play some senior football."
Bennell tallied 27 disposals and two goals for Peel Thunder on Saturday – his 10th WAFL match of the season.
But his persistent calf issues over the past three years have cast huge doubt on whether his body will ever be able to hold up for an extended period.
In better news for Fremantle, forward Matt Taberner is a good chance to earn a call-up for the derby following his three-goal effort in the WAFL.
It was Taberner's first game back from a broken foot and Lyon was impressed with the effort.
West Coast are set to welcome back Luke Shuey (personal reasons) and Lewis Jetta (calf) but Josh Kennedy (shin) is set to miss a second straight week.
Fremantle have lost the past six western derbies and will start Sunday's match underdogs.
