The Western Bulldogs will be boosted by the return of star midfielder Bailey Smith for Friday night’s fixture against Essendon at Marvel Stadium.
Smith missed the two-point loss to Sydney at the SCG last Thursday night due to illness.
But after returning to training earlier this week, Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge confirmed he will face the Bombers.
“Yeah, Baz will come in,” Beveridge told reporters at the VU Whitten oval on Thursday morning.
“One of the things with Baz that I love about him is it doesn’t matter how highly strung he is or his challenges, he meets it head on.
“He wants to be the best player on the ground every week and he takes up that challenge.
“He absolutely runs towards the fire and I just love that about Baz, so he’ll do that again tomorrow night for his teammates and the club and hopefully he has a really strong performance.”
Beveridge said the side is in control of their own destiny as they prepare to take on Essendon and maintain a spot in the top eight.
“I am a dreamer, I am a believer who doesn't let go until it's finished and I'm telling our players they are capable of anything,” Beveridge said.
“I can push that party line and I can drive our players and our group and our people to step outside of their comfort zone and push to win every game but the evidence will be there at the end of the day.
“There’s a great opportunity for us to really push this week in particular but then continue to follow on."
The Dogs will be forced to make at least three changes with Lachie McNeil and James O'Donnell entering concussion protocols, while Sam Darcy will miss with a corked quad.
Beveridge was optimistic that players performing well at state-league level, such as Rory Lobb and Buku Khamis, will be ready to step up if called upon.
“We thought (Rory’s) second half was influential against the Swans,” he said.
“Rory is just working on some simple things now to force his way back in.
“Buku Khamis has been kicking some goals this year at state-league level and that’s quite evident week in week out.
“We will need to bring someone in to fulfill that second ruck role and that will be between Rory and Buku.”
