Western Bulldogs captain Bob Murphy will return to face Melbourne in round 20, named alongside three other inclusions.

The Bulldogs have named an extended bench which includes Josh Prudden, Tom Boyd and Daniel Pearce.

Prudden joined Murphy on the sidelines in round 19 due to general soreness, while Tom Boyd returns after three weeks with Footscray.

Pearce could play his first game as a rookie in 2015 – having not played a senior game since 2012.

The Bulldogs will need to take out three from the existing squad but assistant coach Daniel Giansiracusa assured fans Murphy would slot straight back into the line up.

“It was probably the perfect result, to have the victory we had and be able to rest him up with that general soreness was good but he’s excited to get back into the side.

“When you’re an older player you don’t like to miss out on victories like that so he’s raring to go, trained well today and looking forward to Sunday afternoon.”

The Bulldogs will host the Dees at Etihad Stadium in the return clash from their round win match, where the Dees ran out 39-point victors.

Despite a disappointing result that day, Giansiracusa said both sides have changed since that day.

“We look back on that game, what was done well and the room for improvement areas…

“Both teams have probably changed a bit since then… They’re a good contested ball side, they’ve got a lot of players that are good one on one so we’ve got to be up for the fight there.

“It’s going to be a challenge and we’ve got to be up for it on Sunday.”

Bailey Dale has been omitted from the side to face Melbourne, and will play for Footscray on Saturday.

TEAMS NEWS: Click to view Melbourne's line-up for Sunday's match at Etihad Stadium.

ROUND 20 – Western Bulldogs v Melbourne
Saturday 16 August, 3:20pm
Venue: Etihad Stadium

In: R. Murphy, D. Pearce, J. Prudden, T. Boyd

Out: B. Dale (omitted)