Freemantle

The coaching rumour mill is set to go into overdrive over the coming months as pressure mounts on several coaches.

North Melbourne are already on the lookout for a new coach after parting ways with Brad Scott, while positions could open up at Carlton, St Kilda and Essendon by the end of the season depending on results.

Lyon is contracted to Fremantle at the end of 2020, and was clear in his position when asked about the prospect of switching clubs.

"That's really simple. I've never been happier here," said Lyon, who has coached Fremantle since 2012.

Fremantle will face Geelong on Sunday, March 26 at Domain Stadium in its season opener. The Dockers are coming off a dismal season which saw them finish 16th last year after winning the minor premiership in 2015.

Answering questions on a Facebook Q&A for AFL.com.au, Lyon said Bennell would hopefully play early in the year. 

"He won't be available for round one but his rehab is progressing well, particularly post-Germany. We expect to see him, if all goes to plan, in the early rounds," the coach said. 

Fremantle's star ruckman hasn't played since suffering a nasty rib and lung injury in round three, which saw him spend a week in hospital after requiring surgery to repair multiple rib fractures.

Coach Ross Lyon has been adamant that both Sandilands and veteran defender Michael Johnson would play again this season even though the 3-12 Dockers are out of finals contention.

But with 26 possessions, 10 clearances and two goals, the Brownlow medallist was the difference between his side winning and losing. Of those touches, 17 were contested.

The Dockers kicked six goals to the Crows' four after half time to earn them a 1.9.6 (69) 8.19 (67) win — two late goals from the boot of Nick Suban sealing the victory.

Bennell has not been named in the Dockers' squad for their first NAB Challenge clash against Richmond on Friday at Rushton Park in Mandurah.

The 23-year-old has been in the Dockers' rehab group since Christmas but Lyon said his return to the main group was imminent and he confirmed he would play a pre-season game.