The Western Bulldogs will head into their blockbuster match with Collingwood with three potential inclusions, with the Dogs naming an extended bench ahead of their Sunday afternoon match.

Shane Biggs, Sam Darley and Michael Talia come into the side that faced Geelong in round 16, with the final changes to be decided on Friday afternoon.

Biggs has played two matches this season and has maintained consistent VFL form in recent weeks.

VFL TEAMS: Minson, Honeychurch to return from injury with Footscray

Bulldogs assistant coach Steven King said Biggs had been rewarded for his persistence.

“He (Biggs) got troubles earlier in the year with a hamstring complaint that probably set him back a little bit but his form’s been really solid and he’s been trying to press into an area of the ground, mid/back where we’ve been travelling ok so he gets his opportunity.

“I know his form over the last month’s been really solid so I’ll look to him to continue that form in the AFL level.”

Darley could play his first game of 2015 after five matches in his first year at the Bulldogs in 2014.

The midfielder has impressed at VFL level with his approach on the ball and transition from defence to attack.

Talia returns for his 10th game of the season, after one week at VFL level last weekend.

The defender strung together consistent form for the first eight rounds of the year and will get another chance against the Pies, also showing his versatility in the forward line in round 15 against the Suns.

The Sunday afternoon match looms as an integral match for both sides in the run towards September, a win for the Dogs would hold their spot in the top six while a Collingwood win would see them jump back into the top eight after four straight losses.

King said that despite their recent run of form, his side wouldn’t take their opposition lightly.

“Although they haven’t won a game for month, they’ve played some pretty good footy so we’ll just go off that and prepare off that.

“They bring a lot of pressure to their games… They’re really good around the ball, their mids hunt the footy, just a really proactive stoppage team and they generate a lot of pressure.

“We know we’re going to have to be able to handle that, but on the other note play a game where we can try and create some turnovers as well.”

A large crowd is expected at Etihad Stadium for the must-win game for both Clubs, but the spotlight would be a welcome opportunity according to King.

“Any opportunity our young group can get to play in front of a big crowd is fantastic and they’ve taken every challenge that’s been presented to them this year so far.

“I’m sure they’ll get excited about it. Everyone loves playing against Collingwood, you know you’re going to play against a big crowd and it should be a great atmosphere.”

Hard-running forward Tory Dickson will play his 50th game in the red, blue and white.

ROUND 17 – Western Bulldogs v Collingwood
Sunday 26 July 2015, 1:10pm
Venue: Etihad Stadium

In: S Biggs, S Darley, M Talia

Milestones: T Dickson (50 games)