State league affiliate: Footscray (VFL)
This weekend: Essendon v Footscray - Saturday, August 19, 12pm, Windy Hill

Forward Tom Boyd made a promising return after taking a break to focus on his mental health, kicking three goals in his team's five-point loss.

Bulldogs development manager Rohan Smith told AFL.com.au that Boyd showed "encouraging signs" in his first competitive hit-out since June 18.

"The way that he approached the game by getting around his teammates, using his voice and helping out our younger players was great," Smith said.

Speaking after the 17-point loss to Port Adelaide, Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said it was unlikely Boyd would return to the senior squad this year given his lack of match fitness.

Meanwhile, ruckman Tom Campbell (abdominal strain) and midfielder Mitch Honeychurch (facial infection) returned from their respective injuries.

Campbell proved too skilful in the ruck and registered a goal, while Honeychurch kicked three majors playing between midfield and attack.

Draftee Patrick Lipinski (32 disposals), midfielder Lukas Webb (30 disposals, one goal), retiring defender Matthew Boyd (27 disposals) and forward Clay Smith (25 disposals) were all prominent.