Fremantle midfielder Des Headland has declared himself ready for a return to AFL action, saying he feels better than ever after overcoming a serious knee injury.

Headland played the first four games of the season before being cut down by the knee complaint, initially thought to be just a simple case of bone bruising.

But after Headland continued to pull up sore from training, extensive tests revealed the 27-year-old had bipartite patella, a condition that effectively meant he had developed two knee caps.

Headland was sent off for surgery but, with three games of WAFL reserves football now under his belt, said he was eager to return to Fremantle's line-up for Sunday's clash with St Kilda at Subiaco Oval.

"Knee and body are fine. I pulled up OK after the game on the weekend so hopefully I can get through training this week," Headland said.

"I'm very comfortable. It's probably the best I've felt game-wise and each week is getting better, so I can't wait to get out there soon.

"I had a chat to Mark (Harvey) last week and he said if I pulled up good after the game, he said it didn't matter if I played for Subi league or Subi reserves ... if I played well and got through well he'd consider me for selection.

"Obviously if I do play I'll be an impact player off the bench. I wouldn't be able to run out the whole game - maybe 60 per cent."

Headland, who said his knee would not require a post-season clean-up, said there were no concerns the injury could flare again.

"I've been told there's no more things I can do to my knee, it's not going to get any worse," he said.

"The only main thing is to make sure I get my hammies and quadies right.

"If I run out there and tear a hammy or quady I miss a couple of weeks anyway, so if I get that strengthened up (I'll be fine), and I've been doing that for the last eight weeks and it's getting better each week.

"I'm squatting heavier each time I do it so it's a positive sign.

"And every time I get out and train I'm running a bit faster and kicking a bit better on the left."

Headland joined his teammates on Monday in welcoming five members of the South African national squad due to contest the Australian International Football Cup in Melbourne later this month.

Four of the five footballers are from North West Province, which is Fremantle's zone in South Africa.

"It won't be long before there's a natural South African boy getting drafted over here," Headland said.

"They've got great skills on them. It's unbelievable."

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