Star midfielder Lachie Hunter could be set for a new role, as he prepares to return from four weeks on the sidelines.

The Western Bulldogs have won their past three matches and senior coach Luke Beveridge says he may not be able to simply slot into the position he has made his own on the wing in recent years.

“It’s an intriguing conundrum… where we play him,” Beveridge told media after his side’s 49-point win against North Melbourne on Saturday night.

“He was very good in the lead-up game today against North Melbourne.

“We started to try him in a couple of other areas based on the fact he was going to be out and we needed to put some time into our new wingers with him out of the side.

“So we’ve got a choice to make as to whether or not he plays on the wing or inside.”

Three midfield injury concerns from Saturday night could impact Hunter’s return role – and possibly the extended absence of inside bull Josh Dunkley.

Rising star Bailey Smith and Laitham Vandermeer will both need to overcome concussions to face Carlton next Sunday, while Lin Jong bravely played through an ankle injury and will be assessed.

The returns of Toby McLean, Rhylee West and Pat Lipinski in recent weeks have also added to the Bulldogs’ midfield mix.

“(Lachie’s) probably more than likely to play, I’d say, based on today and how he went,” Beveridge said.

“We might be one or two down injury-wise.

“It could be on the wing but it could be elsewhere – it’s more than likely to be in the front-to-mid 12, but it could be anywhere.

“With the role players and what they’re doing, he’ll come in and complement that in some way.

“It’s a good challenge to have.”