The Western Bulldogs have named six inclusions to an extended squad to face West Coast on Sunday in Perth.

The Dogs will travel west for the first time this season, hoping for a repeat of their victory over the Eagles in the opening round of the season.

Jason Johannisen returns after two weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury and his trademark run off half-back will be a welcome addition to the Bulldogs side.

Assistant coach Steven King said Johannisen’s inclusion said the 22-year-old’s pace would be a highlight.

“Just go get his speed back on a big deck like Subi, he’s going to be really important for us.

“We’ve done well to cover him the last couple of weeks but it’s going to be nice fitting him back in.”

Bulldogs senior coach Luke Beveridge confirmed Roarke Smith would make his debut on the weekend, after being elevated from the rookie list this week.

COACH: Hear from Luke Beveridge in his weekly press conference

King said the athletic defender had progressed well in his first season with the Club.

“Roarke has probably been one of our most improved players from the day he walked in.

“He’s always had good athleticism and just the way he’s applied himself, he just learns every week, he’s strong in the air, he takes the game on, he’s got good speed, good speed endurance, he’s very brave as well, so he’ll play down back.”

Daniel Pearce, Brett Goodes, Tom Boyd and Bailey Dale have also been named on an extended bench, with the final side to be confirmed on Friday afternoon.

If selected, Pearce will play his first game of season 2015 after also being upgraded from the rookie list in the last week.

“He’s been impressing everyone with his attack on the ball, his aggression and just his ability to play multiple positions so at VFL level he’s played back, forward and midfield so just gives us a bit more flexibility.”

Matthew Boyd (general soreness) and Liam Picken (back) come out of the side, but Beveridge said on Thursday he expected the pair to only miss one week, while Sam Darley was omitted from the squad.

The match will be the first time the Bulldogs have played someone above them on the ladder in several weeks, and King said they were well prepared for the challenge.

OPPOSITION: We take an in-depth look at our round 21 opponent – the West Coast Eagles.

“Obviously they’ve (West Coast) been in really good form and being second on the ladder, it’s just a great test for our group to go over there and test ourselves and see where we’re at.

“But the boys are really excited and looking forward to it.”

ROUND 21 – West Coast Eagles v Western Bulldogs
Sunday 23 August 2015, 4:40pm
Venue: Domain Stadium

CLICK HERE to view the West Coast Eagles side for Sunday's clash at Domain Stadium.