Harley Bennell's rehab is progressing well but he will not be ready for the start of the season, after coach Ross Lyon ruled the midfielder out of round one while answering questions on a Facebook Q&A for AFL.com.au.

Fremantle will face Geelong on Sunday 26 March at Domain Stadium in its season opener. 

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," Lyon said. 

Bennell went to Germany last December to see Dr Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfarht, a specialist who has worked with the likes of 100m world record holder Usain Bolt, to overcome the calf issues that have plagued him in his time at Fremantle and forced the midfielder to miss all of 2016.