THE WESTERN Bulldogs could field as many as six new faces in their opening NAB Cup pool games against Geelong and North Melbourne on February 20.
 
While the Dogs are yet to finalise their squad, former Sydney Swan Patrick Veszpremi, ex Brisbane Lion Justin Sherman and former Geelong forward Nathan Djerrkura are all in line to debut in the red, white and blue at Skilled Stadium.
 
They could be joined by Christian Howard, Lukas Markovic and rookie Matthew Panos, who but have all yet to make an appearance at senior level despite being at Whitten Oval for over a year.
 
The highly-touted Howard missed the start of last season after surgery to correct a hip complaint while Markovic played well in the VFL but missed seven games with a shoulder injury.
 
Panos, 20, has impressed over summer with his hard work that follows on from a solid season in the VFL where he booted 61 goals across the seniors and reserves.
 
"He's made some rapid improvements and it's been a big step for him," head of physical conditioning at the Western Bulldogs, Bill Davoren, told afl.com.au after training on Thursday.
 
"Fitness-wise, he's improved dramatically. He's dropped weight and his potential to become more mobile has improved, which is a big plus.
 
"The AFL group are all in pretty good nick; no one has made any radical changes but it's been a solid pre-season."
 
Father-son draftees Mitch Wallis and Tom Liberatore are in contention for the opening round robin along with Zeph Skinner, Jayden Schofield and rookie Ed Barlow.
 
Andrew Hooper - who missed training after rolling his ankle earlier in the week - and Mitch Hahn are also chances to play.
 
Ruckman Ayce Cordy, who was pitted against Jordan Roughead in the ruck on Thursday but has been trialled in defence this summer, is also in the mix.
 
"We just think because he's had so many shoulder operations, it's probably easier for him as a defender," coach Rodney Eade said.
 
"Getting him to learn is good for his education as well and he's got good athleticism."
 
Adam Cooney, Brian Lake, Ryan Hargrave, Ben Hudson and Barry Hall have all been ruled out of the early stages of the NAB Cup, but Cooney is making strong progress as he returns from a hamstring injury.
 
The lithe midfielder is expected to be available in the third week of the pre-season competition.
 
"He's been running since before Christmas and the feedback was he ran really well today," Eade said on Thursday.
 
"We're really pleased with where he's at and he's worked really hard in the gym with weights to put strength in his leg for his knee.
 
"He's doing agility and speed work now so he's not far off joining the main group, as in full football."
 
Players such as Matthew Boyd, Robert Murphy, Daniel Giansiracusa, Liam Picken, Ryan Griffen, Lindsay Gilbee and new father Daniel Cross - who's wife Samantha gave birth to a boy named Tyler on January 13 - will be managed throughout the four-week competition.
 
The Bulldogs will hold a practice match Saturday week at Whitten Oval.