LETTING go of his initial frustration at being sent back to the WAFL was Bailey Banfield's first step towards pushing for a Fremantle recall, and becoming more versatile should help him stay in the side when the door eventually reopens.

Banfield has been named in the Dockers' extended 26-man squad for Sunday's clash with Carlton, vying with the likes of young gun Adam Cerra to replace Stephen Hill (hamstring).

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If selected, it would be his first appearance in purple since round three, after being a victim of mounting pressure for spots in Ross Lyon's improved outfit.

But Banfield has taken a philosophical approach to a lengthy stint at Peel, using the time to prepare to grab his chance when it arrives and doing "a bit of everything" up forward, as an onballer and across half-back.

"I'm just trying to build that flexibility so I can plug into as many positions as possible at AFL level wherever the spot does open up," Banfield told AFL.com.au.

"Just keep grinding, keep working and when a spot does open up, hopefully take that with two hands and run with it."

Banfield was a regular in his first season at the Dockers, showing plenty of promise in 20 games off the rookie list.

But things haven't fallen his way so far in 2019.

"It was a little bit frustrating initially, because I think your expectations change a little bit (after last season), but it's really just a mindset change and there's no point being down on that," Banfield said.

"At the end of the day, you're still playing footy with your mates, whether it's at Peel or Freo."

I'm just trying to build that flexibility so I can plug into as many positions as possible at AFL level - Bailey Banfield

A potential close-checking role on Patrick Cripps appeared to be his best hope of a recall this Sunday, but the Carlton superstar will miss the trip west with a foot sprain.

Employed mainly as a tagger and defensive forward last season, Banfield quickly found his feet at the elite level, negating Essendon star Zach Merrett in just his second match.

Despite taking on a variety of roles at Peel, the 21-year-old's recent run of hot form has come after returning to his strength as a big-bodied 190cm/92kg inside midfielder.

Banfield has averaged 27 disposals and six tackles in the past three outings, and relished the heavy conditions with 32 touches in a big win over Perth last Saturday.

"There's been bits and pieces that have been pretty good and being able to grind out some good games, but there's always stuff to work on," he said.

"Hopefully I can keep putting my name up for selection, but the Freo boys are going pretty well at the moment so it's a tough side to break into.

"It's good for the footy club there's lots of pressure (for spots).

"We're having to play really well at Peel just to get a look in, so that's really good for the Peel side as well."

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