Ross Lyon says Harley Bennells return to the AFL on the weekend was merely a stepping point for next season.

After almost  two years out of the game, Bennell made his return to AFL footy on Sunday, booting two first quarter goals in a rare positive in Fremantles 104 point defeat by Richmond.

Lyon (pictured) says it was a credible return by Bennell but he still has a long way to go to re-establish himself at AFL level.