Bulldogs senior coach Luke Beveridge has given every indication that a host of players will return for Saturday night’s clash against West Coast in Perth.
After falling ill, both Tim English and Taylor Duryea are in line to feature against the Eagles.
“Tim should come in,” Beveridge said.
“He has had a couple of really strong sessions since he’s been back on his feet. Today’s a main session; I imagine he will get through unscathed and will be picked.”
“Taylor will be considered as well. We’ve had some change through that backline – Luke Cleary has had a couple of games which has been terrific to be able to debut another young fella.”
Cody Weightman is also set to be available for selection, with the livewire forward recovering from a broken collarbone a fortnight ago.
“Yeah, he wanted to play last week, Cody,” he said.
“He wanted to take Lin Jong’s example from a few years ago. We have held him back a little bit – I think he will get thought today – we will consider him.”
A rare bout of persistent rain in Perth won’t stop the Bulldogs preparations, adding another element to an intriguing contest.
“When you get there, you assess the conditions and how it might impact,” he said.
“It definitely affects some of your messaging before the game and the main phases of the game.”
Despite suffering a spade of injuries over the past month, the Bulldogs will have some selection issues after some good form across the side.
“That second ruck consideration is a critical one for us this week,” Beveridge said.
“Sweety and Tim have never played in the same AFL team together. This week could be the first time that happens. If that happens something else will have to give.”
“We’ll have 38 training today and they’re good numbers in comparison to the last month. So that’s a good sign for us, but that’s now – hopefully we can sustain it."
