WESTERN Bulldogs defender Brian Lake is expected to take his place in the side this weekend after overcoming knee bruising, but veteran Scott West has been all but ruled out of returning to the team before the split round.

Lake, 26, bruised his knee against the Saints on Sunday at the Telstra Dome, but coach Rodney Eade said his full-back will be fine to meet the Brisbane Lions this Saturday at the MCG after shaking off the soreness.

"His knee is good, he was a bit sore out there but he'll certainly be right to play," Eade said on Wednesday at Whitten Oval.

It's a different story for West, however, who has been missing since round six with bruising to his knee bone. 

Eade noted that his seven-time best and fairest winner will be unlikely to be risked any time soon, especially with the club set to travel to Darwin in just over two weeks' time ahead of the mid-season break.

"He turned the corner on Monday and he's started running now but he's still two weeks away, minimum," said Eade.

The coach also said it will be a bonus to regain in-form forward Robert Murphy this week when he returns from suspension.

The Bulldogs will return to the MCG for the first time since round two for the second – and last - of their scheduled home and away season appearances at the home of football.

Eade said the location of the game and the fact the Dogs are facing another top eight side in the Lions gives this Saturday's clash a bit of extra spice.

"This is only our second time there (the MCG) for the year, but the fact is we really enjoy playing there and our record there is pretty good," Eade said.

"We are looking forward to it, and we are playing another team in good form so I'd imagine there will be a reasonable crowd there for two teams that are probably going to play in the finals.

"So it's like a prelude for us for a finals game and we are really looking forward to it."

Eade also highlighted the importance of a strong showing against the Lions, given the closeness of the top eight and the fact the fourth-placed Crows are just a game and a half behind his side.

"You need to beat those teams in and around the same position as yourself", he said.

"We are in the midst of a fairly solid block of games, including interstate travel which we have won three against teams who are around about where we are [on the ladder]. So hopefully we can keep that going."