The Western Bulldogs will make three changes for their final home and away match against Brisbane on Saturday.

The Dogs head to the Gabba to take on the 18th-placed Lions in their final hit out before their first final in five weeks.

Fletcher Roberts will return to the senior side for his first match since round 15 and is expected to take on a key defensive post.

Bulldogs assistant coach Rohan Smith said Roberts would make a smooth transition back into the side.

“Fletch has been terrific, he took five intercept marks last week against Werribee (in the VFL) and he really as a deep tall back for us in the first part of the year before he got injured was terrific.

“Fletch is no problem coming back in, he knows our structure, he knows our style and he’ll slot back in straight away.”

Brett Goodes and Caleb Daniel also return to the side, with Goodes to add experience in the absence of Robert Murphy, Matthew Boyd and Dale Morris, who will miss the match due to general soreness.

Smith said despite the ladder position of the Lions, they wouldn’t take their opponent lightly.

“It’s obviously been a little bit of a difficult season for them but I think we’ve all been in the same place as what they have been and they’re really fighting to kick start 2016 basically.

“Coming into round 23 we can’t take them lightly so it’s full steam ahead for us.”

Smith identified the midfield battle loomed as most interesting, with the Lions’ depth of talent through that area.

“You have a look at their midfield and they’ve got some great names in there, they’ve got some quality players.

“Zorko in there, Hanley, Rockliff, they’re fantastic players so our midfield like they did last week have really got to stand up again and I’m sure they will.”

Vice-captain Jordan Roughead will lead the team for the first time, in the absence of Murphy.

Tom Campbell, Daniel Pearce and Lin Jong will be emergencies for the match.

ROUND 23 – Brisbane Lions v Western Bulldogs
Saturday 5 September 2015, 1:45pm
Venue: Gabba