Experienced ruckman Stefan Martin will be considered for this week’s all-important elimination final against Essendon, but Western Bulldogs senior coach Luke Beveridge admits it would be a risk to pick him.

The 34-year-old has played just one AFL game in the past three months, having battled a combination of Achilles, shoulder and hip/groin injuries.

However, Martin has returned to fitness on the eve of finals and successfully made it through a scratch match on Saturday.

It’s given Beveridge and the Bulldogs’ match committee something to consider – if they believe he can step straight into finals football and run out the game.

“He pulled up okay – he’s available,” Beveridge told media today.

“It’s not whether Stef can turn up to stoppages and stand there and try to get his hand on the ball, it’s whether or not he can actually play four quarters and whether or not he can operate in the turnover game which is the primary consideration.

“He hasn’t played much footy (recently) – he’s only really had one full session and one practice match, which was eight 12-minute periods. It’s not a great preparation going into a final.

“If we pick Stefan, we’re taking a big risk. I’m not saying we won’t – there’s a chance we might.

“If we feel that Stef hasn’t done the yards and won’t be able to get there for the four quarters, then most likely he won’t be in the team.”

The Bulldogs have opted for various ruck combinations in recent weeks.

Lewis Young stepped into the primary ruck role last week, as Tim English was predominantly deployed forward of centre.

English has taken on the bulk of the ruck duties in Martin’s absence, with support from the now-injured Josh Bruce and Josh Schache in recent weeks.

Jordon Sweet has also played a handful of AFL games this year, with the last of those in round 11.