A REFRESHED Harley Bennell has returned from revolutionary calf treatment in Germany as Fremantle broke for the Christmas period this afternoon.

The 24-year-old was back at the club’s Fremantle Oval headquarters earlier today for the final training session of 2016.

Bennell spent a week in Munich where he worked with specialist Dr Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt on a solution to the persistent calf problems that have so far prevented him from playing for the Dockers.

The 2010 No.2 draft pick missed all of the 2016 season while dogged by soft-tissue injuries and strained a calf at training last month, fast tracking the need for extra treatment.

Fremantle midfielder Connor Blakely said Bennell had been back walking laps at training and all the signs appeared positive.

“He’s back and he’s refreshed,” Blakely said.

“He’s ready to go.

“I had a little chat to him. He said it was pretty interesting, he enjoyed his time. He said everything went really well.”

Blakely has set personal goals to build his own fitness base across his third pre-season at Fremantle.

The 20-year-old broke through for 15 AFL appearances this year and capped off an impressive second season by winning the Simpson Medal as best afield in Peel Thunder’s WAFL premiership win.

The emerging on-baller said the playing group had bought into a higher-intensity running schedule so far this pre-season.

“We’ve got a bit of running to do, a bit of strength,” Blakely said of their Christmas program.

“It’s more so just ticking it over so you come back in the best shape you can.

“We have a 3km time trial when we get back on the first day, so I’ll just work towards that, stay fit and healthy and enjoy the break.

“Pre-season for me has been really good. It’s just about making sure you’re injury free and staying out on the track.

“Each pre-season you build your fitness a little bit more and you’re able to complete the sessions a little bit better.

“My main focus at the moment is just building that fitness and being able to run out games a little bit better.”