Fremantle coach Ross Lyon concedes Connor Blakely is unlikely to be rushed straight back into the Dockers side this week after a 10-month absence at the top level.

Blakely is set to make his footy return this weekend, having recovered from a serious hamstring injury suffered in the pre-season.

But Lyon said it was more likely Blakely would line up at WAFL level with Peel Thunder rather than be thrown straight back into the AFL arena against the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium.

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“Unlikely, but we’ve conditioned him to be able to be picked if necessary,” Lyon said on Blakely’s chances of a senior call-up.

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“We’re in reasonable form, and it’s a hard team to get into at the minute.

“But if necessary, we could play him.

When asked if a game at Peel was looming, Lyon said: “It’s not fully decided, but more likely.”

Camera Icon Connor Blakely is in the mix for a Dockers return this week. Credit: Daniel Wilkins

The Dockers coach will have to make at least one change to this week’s side after defender Taylin Duman was suspended at the AFL Tribunal this afternoon.

Duman’s original two-week ban for striking GWS star Lachie Whitfield was worked down to a one-week suspension.

“We’re disappointed to lose Taylin, who’s building a strong season,” Lyon said.

“But it’s pleasing to get a week’s reduction. It would have been ideal with none, but you wear it and move on.”

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