The Western Bulldogs are expected to welcome back a host of players at AFL and VFL level this weekend.
The senior side will take on Adelaide in an elimination final, while Footscray will take on Essendon in a semi-final, with both sides set to welcome back several inclusions.
Veteran trio Robert Murphy, Matthew Boyd and Dale Morris all missed the Dogs clash with Brisbane in round 23 with general soreness, but Bulldogs General Manager of Football Graham Lowe said he was confident the trio would be available for selection against the Crows this weekend.
“Dale, ‘Murph’ and ‘Boydy’ all presented really well on Monday.
“They’ve done some good preparation over the weekend so they’re looking really positive to be available for selection this weekend.”
Forward Stewart Crameri is also likely to be available after sustaining a corked thigh on Saturday against Brisbane.
“Stewart got a significant ‘corkie’ to his thigh in an aerial marking contest, he was subbed off at that point.
“We’re certainly positive about him, he’s come in well at the start of this week so we’re positive about him being available to play this weekend.”
Josh Prudden and Toby McLean will be available for selection, after both overcoming injury setbacks.
McLean underwent shoulder surgery after injury his AC joint against Carlton in round 14.
Lowe said it was exciting to welcome back the first-year player.
“It’s great to welcome Toby back, he’s done some fantastic rehab and kept himself fit and available through recovery from his AC joint, so he’s going to make himself available for selection this weekend.”
Prudden sustained a minor hamstring injury three weeks ago in the VFL, but is set to be available for selection this weekend alongside McLean.
“Great to have Josh back from a hamstring injury, he’s available, again completed his training and looking to be available to be selected,” said Lowe.
Tom Boyd and Tom Campbell were late withdrawals for Footscray’s qualifying final, but both are expected to be available this weekend.
“Tom Boyd we took a cautious approach with respect of his groin.
“He had a little bit of tightness there that we wanted to make sure we managed conservatively, which we did so he’ll be available to be selected this weekend.
“Tom (Campbell) was ill on the weekend and wasn’t available to play on Saturday but he’s certainly come in well this morning.
“We’re going to get some training (in to him) earlier this week and make sure he connects later in the week, with a view to making himself available for selection for the weekend.”
