Concerns surrounding a growing injury list at the Western Bulldogs are set to be eased, with star midfielder Lachie Hunter available to return this week from a four-match suspension.
The Bulldogs, who are among the form teams in the competition after winning three successive matches, will need to make at least two changes for this week's clash with Carlton.
Lin Jong is expected to miss up to two months due to a syndesmosis injury suffered in last week’s convincing 49-point win against North Melbourne, while young duo Bailey Smith and Laitham Vandermeer will need to overcome concussions to play.
Impressive defender Hayden Crozier will also be unavailable, having failed to overturn a one-match suspension for a dangerous tackle on Kangaroos youngster Jack Mahony at the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night.
However, the Dogs' midfield could be bolstered by Hunter's return, with the prolific onballer having served his four-match suspension for an alleged drink driving incident during the game's shutdown period.
"I've got no doubt it would have changed him and he'll learn from it … I think it'll improve his outlook and who he is as a young man," Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge told radio station RSN on Wednesday.
"He's very fit and strong and he's ready to play. It's probably difficult coming back from that period away, after letting yourself down and you still know you've got four weeks to serve.
"But he's focused on his work and he hasn't taken his eye off the ball with trying to help others.
"We'll consider him for selection this week, and with 'Jongy' going down there's a spot there. And with Crozier being suspended, there's another spot. So, we'll consider him. He's definitely ready to go."
