Key forward Aaron Naughton is a ‘likely’ inclusion for tomorrow night’s pivotal clash with the Brisbane Lions at The Gabba.

The 20-year-old has been sidelined due to round four due to an ankle injury, having started to hit his straps after an injury-interrupted pre-season.

Senior coach Luke Beveridge gave every indication today that Naughton would make his return against the Lions.

The Bulldogs will name their team tonight at 6.20pm.

But he urged people not to expect miracles immediately from the exciting young talent, as he builds back into his work.

“I think it’s important to lower expectation though. He has been out for a little while,” Beveridge said.

“For him to come in cold and play at his absolute best is going to be a huge challenge.

“In the current climate, there is no better way to get match fitness than to play. The frustrating thing is he was starting to get back to some of his best in the Sydney game when he got injured.

“We hope it doesn’t take him too long, but just to get the run out he needs, and the blow out, this is the first step.

“Hopefully we can move the ball well to help him play better.”