The Western Bulldogs have recalled six players to the extended squad named to play Essendon at Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Poised to play his 100^th career game, Liam Picken leads the list of inclusions, with Jarrad Grant and Dylan Addison named in the Bulldogs' forward line.

26-year-old Picken will bring his trademark pressure and close checking defensive work to the Dogs' side, which will be invaluable against the sharp-skilled and free-running Essendon.

View both Western Bulldogs and Essendon's complete squads for Sunday's match. 

Meanwhile Grant is in line to play his first senior game for the season, after averaging two goals and four marks in the VFL in the past month.

Agile and with speed to burn, the 50-gamer will bring a different dimension to the  Bulldogs' forward structure, while  Addison will likely play a defensive forward role on one of the Bombers' rebounding defenders.

“Jarrad Grant comes in for his first game for the season, so looking forward to him taking some marks in the forward line, creating some space and some opportunities for some others as well,” Smith said.

Also added to the Bulldogs' extended bench are Daniel Cross, Lachie Hunter and Tom Young.

Sidelined with a calf injury after playing the first nine games of season 2013 , Young has been in a consistent defensive contributor in recent weeks for VFL affiliate Williamstown, while Hunter will factor highly in the selection mix after impressing in his first two senior outings before being rested against the GWS Giants.

Cross too has been a valuable contributor in the VFL this past month, playing a strong leadership role and forming an integral part of the Seagulls' engine room.

A season-ending shoulder injury sees Jason Johannisen out of the Bulldogs squad, while Jake Stringer (soreness) and Ayce Cordy (omitted) will also miss the Bombers' clash.