Having used 41 of a possible 43 players this season, the Western Bulldogs have had their fair share of selection challenges.

The Bulldogs will make at least two changes to their side taking on Essendon this Sunday, with Cody Weightman (managed) and Mitch Hannan (shoulder) making way.

Senior coach Luke Beveridge defended the decision to manage the electric small forward, while stating star midfielder Adam Treloar is closer to playing than not.

“There’s two things that influence selection – it’s injury and it’s form. What we always do here is reward good form from the state league level,” Beveridge told media over Zoom on Friday morning.

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Luke Beveridge | 'Each week is still a significant challenge'

Head Coach Luke Beveridge spoke to the media via Zoom on Friday ahead of the Round 21 clash with Essendon.

“The players who are playing for Footscray are aspiring to be in the senior team, and we have to reward it when they play well.

“Then there’s an opening from one of the lads who have been playing in our AFL team, through an injury-based omission or a form-based omission.

“Cody, up until yesterday, was in line to continue on and play against the Bombers this Sunday, but he’s just a little bit too sore, so we thought we’d give him a week off. Hopefully he’ll be alright for the following week.

“We’ve picked (Adam) in the 26 – he’s come this far in his recovery and his rehabilitation, and has had all he needs from a training perspective. He’s most likely to play on Sunday.”

Beveridge also praised last year’s number one draft pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and his on-field impact, after the 19-year-old recently recommitted to the Kennel for a further two years.

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Jamarra Ugle-Hagan | 'It's an unreal moment'

Jamarra Ugle-Hagan has signed a two year contract extension with the Western Bulldogs.

“All (Jamarra) can do is apply himself, and he’s done that tremendously,” Beveridge said.

“I think the role that he plays just adds a little bit of a different element to the chemistry up there in our forward line. 

“(His impact) isn’t surprising, but each week is still a significant challenge with the key defenders in the comp.

“He does things quite naturally as a key forward in his own way, and that’s allowed him to produce some highlights.”

The Bulldogs will trim their squad of 26 to a team of 22 and four emergencies tonight at 5pm.

The medical substitute will be confirmed an hour before the first bounce on Sunday afternoon.