The Western Bulldogs look set to receive an injection of experience this Friday night with Bob Murphy, Dale Morris and ruckman Jordan Roughead all in line to return to face the Cats.

Speaking to westernbulldogs.com.au, Head Physiotherapist Chris Bell said Murphy is likely to be available for selection after missing the Club’s recent trip to Perth, while defender Dale Morris looks set to play his first game since injuring his leg in Round One against Collingwood.

“Dale’s return from his fractured fibula has gone really smoothly,” Bell said.

“He’s completed full football sessions and if he returns to full training this week without any issues he’ll be in line to return to play.”

Ruckman Jordan Roughead had a successful return from a hamstring injury in the VFL on the weekend and is also expected to push for senior selection, while fellow big man Travis Cloke will be available if he gets through the week’s training according to Bell.

“Travis has continued to progress really well form his rib injury,” he said. 

“He’s returned to full contact training and hasn’t got any issues.  We’ll continue to put him under a barrage of tests this week but if he proves his 100 per cent, he’ll return to availability.”

However Josh Prudden is expected to miss at least a month’s football after suffering a hamstring injury on the while playing for Footscray on Saturday.

“Josh Prudden unfortunately suffered a hamstring injury in the final quarter of the VFL game on the weekend.  

“It’s really disappointing for Josh and the Club because he’s got some good continuity in his football in the last five weeks.”

And in long term injury news, Josh Dunkley has undergone successful shoulder surgery.

“All went really well and according to plan and he’s making some good progress after the operation. 

“He’s started the early phases of his rehab and we’ll continue to work with Josh and support him to return to football in the next three to four months.”