THE Western Bulldogs are likely to give veteran midfielder Scott West one more run in the reserves before his long-awaited comeback ahead of the finals.

West made his first competitive appearance since round six last week, in the VFL, as he battles an ongoing knee problem.

While West looked proppy, he still had 27 touches and did enough to suggest the Bulldogs will use him during one of the two remaining home and away matches.

Assistant coach Peter Dean said West was likely to make his return to the senior side sooner rather than later as the Dogs tried to arrest a form slump ahead of the finals.

But Dean hinted the 33-year-old would need more football to be ready for the AFL, meaning it was unlikely the seven-time best and fairest winner would play on Friday night against Essendon.

"He's done all the training, he's had some setbacks but he's an old warhorse so we expect him to come out and train today," Dean said.

"We'll soldier on and we'll hope he comes up for us.

"It's not out of the realms of possibility (he'll play for the Dogs ahead of the finals).

"He needs to perform, he needs to get through games, and he'll come into consideration."

The Bulldogs have won just one of their past five matches, but are already guaranteed at least third place for the finals.