Dockers coach Roddy Lyon says the club will play Harley Bennell against Essendon on Sunday.

The Dockers are out of finals contention so the focus now turns to next season.

Lyon (pictured) says as pleased as he was by Bennells return to AFL footy, his long term future is in the midfield and the 24 year old still has a long way to go to build the endurance required.