The Bulldogs have made three changes ahead of a final round clash against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday night.

Tom Liberatore will return to bolster the midfield brigade after recovering from concussion, while Toby McLean and Hayden Crozier have also earned recalls due to strong VFL form.

Bailey Smith will miss the match due to illness, with Jack Macrae (concussion) and Taylor Duryea (suspended) also unavailable for the must-win game.

The Bulldogs must defeat Geelong and rely on Carlton beating GWS to play finals in 2023.

The emergencies for the fixture are Lachlan McNeil, Riley Garcia, Luke Cleary and Jordon Sweet, with the substitute to be named an hour before bounce.

The match will begin at 7.25pm at GMHBA Stadium and broadcast live on Channel 7 and Fox Footy.

05:35

Before the Bounce | Round 24

Join Brad Johnson and John Donohoe as the preview the clash with Geelong.

AFL Team | Round 24

Geelong v Western Bulldogs
Saturday 26 August, 7.25pm AEST
GMHBA Stadium, Geelong • Wadawurrung

B: Alex Keath, Liam Jones, Hayden Crozier
HB: Bailey Dale, James O’Donnell, Ed Richards
C: Caleb Poulter, Marcus Bontempelli, Bailey Williams
HF: Cody Weightman, Aaron Naughton, Caleb Daniel
F: Rory Lobb, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Rhylee West
R: Tim English, Adam Treloar, Tom Liberatore

Int: Toby McLean, Laitham Vandermeer, Anthony Scott, Oskar Baker

Emer: Lachlan McNeil, Riley Garcia, Luke Cleary, Jordon Sweet

IN: Tom Liberatore, Hayden Crozier, Toby McLean
OUT: Bailey Smith (illness), Taylor Duryea (suspension), Jack Macrae (concussion)