Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says while it’s unfortunate that destiny is out of the team’s hands this weekend, it’s important to remember there is still a chance.

The Bulldogs must defeat Geelong at GMHBA Stadium in order to keep their season alive, before relying on Carlton to beat GWS to qualify for the 2023 finals series.

“Your lot is what it is - you earn it,” he told media on Friday morning.

“Sometimes you feel like there could be more – there’s been a lot of close margins in the last month and a half. I’ve mentioned losing key defenders in games we haven’t been able to cover and things like that, but that’s all just facts.

“Now, our circumstance is that yeah we’re still a chance, but the first thing we need to do is beat Geelong and then see what happens on the Sunday.

“Ultimately, we’re still in there with a sniff which is important to recognise.”

Beveridge acknowledged his side has not met on-field expectations in recent weeks, but is excited by the opportunity to rectify that this weekend.

“Without denigrating the opposition, we expect to win most games. When you come away with any kind of loss and the disappointment attached to that – you go and pursue your very best next week,” he said.

“We haven’t been at our best in recent times, but Saturday night against the Cats is another opportunity. We’re looking forward to it.”

The Bulldogs will regain Tom Liberatore for the trip down the highway, but will be without Jack Macrae (concussion) and Bailey Smith (illness).

“(Bailey’s) just crook unfortunately…it’s a gastro type thing and he’s been ill,” Beveridge said.

“We couldn’t consider him – he didn’t train yesterday because he was too ill.

“He mentioned to me that he’s feeling a bit better, so we’ll see how he goes and whether or not he can do a training session tomorrow with the boys who aren’t playing.

“Hopefully Baz can join in but we’ll wait and see.

“You think of naming him (in the team), but the advice from our doctor was that he’s just too ill, and probably can’t muster anything until the weekend. That ruled a line.”

The Dogs and Cats will go head-to-head from 7.25pm AEST tomorrow night.