Sam Darcy will return from injury for the Western Bulldogs this Thursday night.

Ironically, it will be against the Saints again – the same team he hyperextended his knee against eight weeks ago.

“Sam’s ready to go. He’ll be in the team this afternoon,” senior coach Luke Beveridge confirmed on Wednesday morning.

“There’s no use trying to hide that. He’s done a really scrupulous and professional job rehabilitating that injury.

14:26

Luke Beveridge | "I'm looking forward to the future"

Bevo speaks to the media ahead of the round 14 clash with St Kilda.

“We’ll welcome him back and look forward to having him part of tomorrow night.”

Beveridge, who is fresh off a two-year coaching contract extension, said his side will need to set the tone early against St Kilda.

“We saw St Kilda beat Melbourne in Alice Springs…their approach and attitude to that game was really first class. They would’ve liked what came out of that game,” Beveridge said.

“When we came out of the bye last week, Hawthorn jumped us on the scoreboard in the first quarter.

“We have to make sure we get out of the gates and make the statements early, and then sustain that.”

Vice-captain Tom Liberatore could also be utilised in defence once again, as he did for parts in the Dogs defeat to Hawthorn, but Beveridge clarified it was a Plan C scenario.

“He’ll still be priority one as a contest and stoppage player, but we might explore that a little bit more here and there,” he said.

00:50

AFL R6 | Libba's inspirational tackle lights up Marvel Stadium

Tom Liberatore receives a standing ovation from the Bulldogs faithful after an incredible tackle on the wing.

“My reassurance to him is that it’s just a layer and maybe a Plan C…his Plan B is really to play a bit of forward time as well.

“As you all collectively – like us – have gained a huge amount of respect for Tom, his tenacity and how he plays the game, when you think of the coalface and how hard it is…you can’t expect a player like Tom who plays the way he does to do that all the time.

“We’re looking to lighten his load a little bit.

“We’re looking for maybe another layer for Tom. We’re hoping his future goes beyond this year…but there are players like a Joel Freijah who can move for a minute or two. If Tom goes to half back it gives us some flexibility.

“You know there is going to be integrity in his defensive game. It all makes sense without his diminishing his importance as an inside mid.”

The Bulldogs will confirm their Round 14 team at 6:20pm AEST tonight, Wednesday 11 June.