Bulldogs defenders Bailey Dale and Connor Budarick will be tests ahead of the final home-and-away fixture against Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday.

Dale suffered a shoulder injury in the Club’s Round 18 clash and is a chance to return this week, while Budarick continues to recover from a syndesmosis injury to his ankle.

Defender Nick Coffield will be unavailable for selection this week after entering concussion protocols following a collision in the VFL.

The pair will train during the main session on Thursday before determining their availability for the match.