Easton Wood is set to play in his first competitive hitout since round three, lining up for Williamstown’s development side on Saturday.

Making strides in the injury management of his reoccurring hamstring, the 23-year-old will make a promising step forward when he represents the Seagulls’ reserves in the VFL.

“Easton is going to play at development level this week and the plan is for him just to run around and run at his speed,” Western Bulldogs Senior Coach Brendan McCartney said.

“Run fast when we wants to run fast, but basically it is a training session and we can do that at that level.’

While it is premature to set a date for an AFL return, McCartney is hopeful that the running defender will be in the mix for senior selection in two to three weeks’ time.

“Fingers crossed it will be another step from what he did last weekend and the weekend before,” he said.

“We are optimistic that provided he doesn’t get injured again we will get him back in two to three weeks, which will be good for him.

“He’s smashed his rehab really well, he’s really keen to get back out and play and we are down on some small defenders.”

Wood’s availability would greatly bolster the Bulldogs list, providing run and carry out of the back half after fellow defender Jason Johannisen was ruled out for the season with an AC joint this week.