Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has marvelled at the mental strength and recuperative powers of Dale Morris as he nears a return from a serious knee injury.

The 35-year-old, who famously played in the 2016 grand final with a broken back, returned to full training this week after suffering a partial anterior cruciate ligament tear in February.

Dale Morris is close to an AFL return for the Western Bulldogs. Credit:AAP

Morris has suffered plenty of setbacks since he broke through to make his AFL debut as a 22-year-old in 2005.

The worst was a horror leg break that cost him the 2012 season, but despite his late start and injury issues, Morris will soon play the 242nd AFL game of his career.