Alex Keath looks set to retain his place in the back line after a positive few days at Whitten Oval.

The 30-year-old suffered a heavy shin knock against Brisbane last Friday and despite returning to the field, he succumbed to soreness and swelling, ruling him out after half-time.

All things being equal, Western Bulldogs’ Head of Medical Chris Bell believes Keath should be available for the season opener.

“Keath has shown significant improvement over the last few days and if he gets through training without any issue on Sunday, he will take his place in the back line against the Dees,” Bell said.

Defender Ryan Gardner missed the final practice game against the Lions due to quad tightness and will face a fitness test prior to selection on Sunday.

“If Ryan passes a fitness test on Sunday, he will be declared available for the game,” Bell said.

Recruit Tim O’Brien won’t feature in the team’s opening clash on Wednesday due to a hamstring injury but isn’t far away from a Bulldogs debut.

“Tim won’t play round one, but it won’t be long before you see him pull on the colours of the red white and blue,” Bell said.

Injury list

Bruce (ACL) – 4-5 months
Mclean (ACL) – 4-5 months
Darcy (Foot) – indefinite
O’Brien (Hamstring) – 2 weeks