Injury-plagued AFL midfielder Harley Bennell appears destined to sign with Melbourne despite another setback to his left calf.

The former Gold Coast and Fremantle player has been training with the Demons as he aims to re-ignite his ailing AFL career.

Melbourne have not been put off by Bennell’s extensive injury history, which resulted in just just two games for the Dockers in four years.

The 27-year-old broke down again last week but he has escaped with only minor damage and the injury has “pushed him back three days in his rehab”.

“At this stage it’s looking really positive for him (Bennell) getting a contract with us,” Melbourne football boss Josh Mahoney told SEN on Monday.

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Camera Icon Harley Bennell completes some handball drills during a Melbourne Demons AFL training session at Gosch's Paddock. Credit: Darrian Traynor / AFL Photos

“He’s really taken to the players, he’s really popular amongst the playing group.

“We want him to get back and playing but it (the injury) hasn’t impacted our decision.

“When we first brought Harley to come and train on we knew there was going to be some minor setbacks along the way.”

The No.2 draft pick in 2010 looked set to be a bonafide star during his 81 games with Gold Coast before injuries and off-field troubles led to the Suns trading him to Fremantle.

Despite his well-publicised woes, Bennell told reporters in December that he never contemplated quitting.

Camera Icon Harley Bennell completes some handball drills during a Melbourne Demons AFL training session at Gosch's Paddock. Credit: Darrian Traynor / AFL Photos

“I never thought of giving it away, I just needed some time away from football,“ he said.

“We’ve got some great people around us that can help lead us in the right direction and I’m really excited for the time that Melbourne have given me.”

Meanwhile, Mahoney eased concerns over the fitness of star ruckman Max Gawn after the All-Australian landed awkwardly on his knee at training last week.

“...he’ll (Gawn) be back running around on Monday and possibly able to play a game in three or four weeks time,” Mahoney said.