Western Bulldogs assistant coach Brett Montgomery says that the Dogs will be facing a Brisbane Lions team brimming with confidence on Saturday night, after the Queensland side's impressive 13-point victory over the Gold Coast Suns last weekend.

Montgomery has told westernbulldogs.com.au that the Lions are a side on the rise well suited to the way the game is played in 2016.

“I think it will be a really good challenge playing them this week," Montgomery said.

“They’ve got an incredibly strong midfield that runs really deep so we’ll really have to be strong through there.

“Yes, there’s Rockliff but they’ve got some really genuine stars that go through the middle. 

“I think they’re really even which is really important with how we need to play these days with rotations being capped and having to share the load.”

The Dogs will welcome vice-captain Easton Wood back for his first game since round two, along with sharp shooter Tory Dickson while youngsters Tom Campbell and Bailey Dale have come in for their first games of the season.

Montgomery said that neither Campbell nor Dale put a foot wrong over the pre-season and both players are expected to grab the opportunity with both hands.

“[Tom Campbell] has been waiting for an opportunity for a while, but had to wait his turn. 

“Both Roughy [Jordan Roughead] and Tommy Boyd have been really good for us, so  we haven’t had to make that change up until this point but now Tom gets his opportunity.’ 

Dale gets an first opportunity after some strong form at VFL level.

“As a second year player, it’s good to see him step up again early in the season because sometimes it can be difficult to back up. 

“He’s a great talent, and a really well rounded player who can play all three areas as well. 

“It’s a good opportunity for Bailes early in the year.”