Three changes have been made to the Western Bulldogs side ahead of their clash with GWS Giants on Saturday, including the return of in-form midfielder Koby Stevens.

The 22-year-old joins Tom Young and Jason Tutt who will both play their first game of the season in Bulldogs colours, after a strong showing in the VFL in recent weeks.

Jordan Roughead (AC joint) and Jason Johannisen (omitted) will not make the trip to Canberra, as well as dangerous forward Luke Dahlhaus who won't be risked after experiencing calf soreness this week.

View the final teams of both the Western Bulldogs and GWS Giants as they'll line-up on Saturday. 
 

Stevens was one of the best performed Bulldogs throughout the NAB Challenge campaign, and will be looking to pick-up where he left off in Canberra.

The hard-nosed midfielder missed last week’s win over Richmond with whiplash, after landing heavily in a tackle late in the final term against North Melbourne in round two.

Stevens averaged 24 disposals in the opening two rounds of this season, going at an efficiency of 81.2 percent. 

Through injury to Roughead, Young will slot straight into the Bulldogs’ back-six  alongside Dale Morris and Tom Williams to share duties against the imposing Giants tall-forwards, including All Australian Jeremy Cameron.

Canberra product Tutt will also make the trip north, with the Bulldogs to benefit from his explosive pace and finesse outside of the contest.

Assistant Coach Rohan Smith said the Dogs must draw on their strength in winning the contested ball  and ensure it is delivered consistently throughout the season.

“[In] the first half the press [against Richmond] we put around the ball was fantastic and that is the way we need to play every single week,” Smith said.

“If we have good heat around the footy, good pressure, lay some good tackles and then get the ball going back our way – it’s the cornerstone of our game really.”

View the complete team list for the Bulldogs' opponents the GWS Giants for Saturday's match.