Experienced forward Sam Lloyd made a strong return from his shoulder injury, in Friday afternoon’s scratch match against Essendon.

The 30-year-old was injured in the Bulldogs’ win against Sydney in round four, but has made a sooner-than-expected comeback.

Lloyd was among six individual goal-kickers for the Bulldogs’ in the fixture, which was essentially three quarters of football spaced across six blocks.

“That was probably the key to his day, he tested the shoulder out a couple of times which was good,” coach Daniel Giansiracusa said.

“That’ll give him confidence and he’ll be better for the run.

“He definitely got through and it’s good to have him available.”

The Bulldogs created plenty of chances around goal, particularly across the first four periods, before a late push from the Bombers saw them hold a two-point advantage at day’s end.

Giansiracusa said there were a host of strong performers, which gives the Bulldogs plenty of options at the selection table.

“I thought Louis Butler was good, there would have been a bit of disappointment after missing out on AFL selection. We exposed him to a bit of wing time and he looked quite comfortable there,” he said.

“Jackson Trengove’s form has been solid, when it’s quite difficult playing in a four-man back-line and there’s a lot of space to defend. 

“I thought Rhylee West also handled coming out of the AFL side quite well, he used the ball pretty well and tackled with intent. Billy Gowers looked pretty strong up forward as well.”

Western Bulldogs            3.3          3.4          4.5          5.9          5.10        6.11       (47)
Essendon                            0.1          2.1          2.3          3.3          6.6          7.7          (49)

Goals: Dickson, Sweet, Lloyd, Greene, Schache, Gowers