Western Bulldogs AFLW coach Paul Groves is cautiously optimistic that captain Katie Brennan will be available for selection for this Saturday's Round 6 match against ladder leaders, the Brisbane Lions.

The marquee player's recovery from an ankle injury sustained against Adelaide in Round 2 is progressing well, and Brennan will be given every chance to prove her fitness, Groves said.

Groves added that Brennan's leadership qualities would be a boost to a side that has fallen narrowly short of victory in its last two matches.

"She's really keen to come back and lead the group," Groves said.

"She did a running session prior to the game today. We probably could have pushed it for today but it probably would have been a bit of a risk but the plan is for [a return] next week and we'll just see."

Groves said that while Brennan is doing all she could to ensure she plays in the Bulldogs' final two matches in the inaugural AFLW season, she will not be rushed back if there is any risk of long-term consequences and clearance will be required from the Bulldogs' medical staff before she is given the green light to play.

"If there is going to be potential long term damage to her we certainly won't bring her back but if all the physios tick it all off then I'm pretty sure it'll be hard to hold her back from playing, to be honest."

The Bulldogs will travel interstate for the first time on Saturday to play the Lions at South Pine Complex, north of Brisbane.