STAR Bulldog duo Adam Cooney and Robert Murphy will make the trip to Perth to take on Fremantle on Sunday with the club confident both have managed to get the requisite miles in their legs over summer.

Both underwent post-season knee surgeries which restricted their pre-season programs, but have convinced the match committee they are ready to go for the season opener.

"They've both showed signs that they're getting back to their top levels of fitness," football manager James Fantasia said on Thursday.

"Murph's probably the one who has had the least amount of game time, but he's been training well and he's been moving well across the ground.

"They both played really well up in Sydney and we're confident they'll be right."

Forward Scott Welsh, who battled a back injury earlier in the year, won't play, with his preparation further hampered by an ill-timed bout of the flu.

Important defender Tom Williams has been named on an extended bench and Fantasia was hopeful the big Dog will be able to have a better run with injury this year.

"Tommy's played a bit of footy now and he's got through the pre-season well," he said.

"He's a bit of an x-factor for us and we're keen to see him progress well through the year. He's important in adding a bit of flexibility to our group."

Fantasia said possible hot conditions had not been a factor in team selection, but added the players would be monitored closely between this match and the return trip to Perth to play the Eagles in round four.

Tim Callan will take his place despite only being released from hospital on Wednesday following a nut allergy mishap.

"He was fine during the day, but they kept him in for observation," Fantasia said.

"He's been in to the club to catch up with the doctors and he's got the thumbs up."

The Bulldogs will trim their squad to 22 following their final training session at Whitten Oval on Friday.