A rejuvenated Matthew Suckling is the only inclusion for the Western Bulldogs this week as they prepare to face Collingwood on Friday night at Etihad Stadium.

Suckling has missed the past two games due to an Achilles complaint and has replaced veteran Dale Morris in the selected side.

Speaking to westernbulldogs.com.au on Thursday, assistant coach Daniel Giansiracusa said Suckling had been impressive all week on the training track.

“Obviously Suckers has gotten over that Achilles and he was flying around on the track on Tuesday when the other boys were still getting over the weekend,” Giansiracusa said.  

“Unfortunately Moz comes out, but we didn’t want to take any risks on a shorter break, and he’ll be back as soon as possible.”

Giansiracusa said that Suckling has been a valuable addition to the Dogs this season after coming over from Hawthorn and the 28-year old will be welcome inclusion on Friday night.

“He’s an elite kick and we’re looking for him to do that for us but he also brings experience - obviously he’s played in some really successful sides,” he said. 

“He’s a calming influence for the younger players in the side, he’s done that really well this year and we’re excited that he’s back in the side.”

Collingwood sit in twelfth position on the AFL Ladder and the Bulldogs have booked a finals berth, but according to Giansiracusa there’s no room for complacency in the Dogs’ camp.

“The evenness of the competition, I know it’s cliché’, but you’re just looking at the opposition that’s there on that particular week. 

“Everyone is a challenge no matter where they sit on the ladder - we’ve seen Collingwood really trouble teams that are in the top-eight. 

“We have to expect that they’re going to be at their best, just like they were against West Coast (in round 19), and that means it’s going to be an intense contest.”

Toby McLean, Will Minson and Jed Adcock make up the emergencies.

Western Bulldogs v Collingwood
Friday 12 August 2016, 7:50pm
Venue: Etihad Stadium

In: M Suckling

Out: D Morris (Hamstring)