Harley Bennell walks back to the club during a Melbourne training session at Gosch's Paddock in December. Picture: AFL Photos

THE DEMONS have released the burden of expectation on Harley Bennell, declaring the former Docker as unlikely to return to the field until midway through the season.

Bennell, 27, joined the Demons earlier this month via the AFL's Supplemental Selection Period (SSP) rule, after pledging to give up alcohol in a bid to restart his playing career.

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He was offered the lifeline despite recently suffering yet another calf strain during a rehab session, with the club realistic even then his journey would be "long-term" given his injury history.

Coach Simon Goodwin said on Monday it would remain a slow burn, with the former No.2 NAB AFL Draft pick to take his time getting his body right.

Harley Bennell's scars from surgery on his troublesome calves. Picture: AFL Photos

"Harley's travelling really well both on and off the field," Goodwin said.

"He's settled in really well to our group, clearly he's training and rehabbing.

"We've got no expectation on Harley playing early in the season, we want to get him back into full training first off.

"When that happens, we'll be guided by our high-performance team and our medical team.

"In an ideal world, when would we see him? Middle of the year would be a really good-case scenario for us."

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Copy link Link copied to clipboard Marsh Highlights: Melbourne v Adelaide The Demons and Crows clash in the Marsh Community Series

Bennell hasn't played AFL football since round 23, 2017, which was the second of his two games for Fremantle during his frustrating four-year stint at the club.

The former Docker and Sun has played 83 AFL games in total but is yet to fully unload his undeniable talent because of soft tissue injuries and off-field indiscretions.

Meanwhile, newly appointed Melbourne captain Max Gawn said he was on track for round one and is likely to gather match practice minutes in the Demons' Marsh Community Series game against Hawthorn on March 6.

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"We've got a game against North Melbourne this week, just a scratch match that I tried to play in, but 'Goody' (Goodwin) told me no," Gawn said.

"The next one after, which is Hawthorn down at Launceston, I think I should be a chance and then go into round one."