WESTERN Bulldogs skipper Brad Johnson is expected to face Carlton this weekend despite twisting his ankle against Geelong on Saturday at Skilled Stadium.

Johnson went over on the ankle during the first term of the match and didn't retake the field until the second quarter. He managed to play out the game, but was hampered by the injury.

"It's not too bad. There's been a fair bit of bruising come out of it," coach Rodney Eade said on Tuesday.

"The fact he went back on was a positive, but he's walking today fairly freely so he's a pretty good chance to train on Friday and play on the weekend."

Eade also said Johnson's output of 29 goals this year had not been labelled as unsatisfactory by the coaching staff, given that the 32-year-old had been assigned a new responsibility.

"He's had a few injuries and he's played sore at times," he said.

"He's played a different role too. Last year he played really close to the goal square and this year he's played high up the ground, on the wing and in the midfield.

"Brad Johnson's performance is not based on goals. If people want to do that from outside, that's up to them."

Eade also said fellow veteran Scott West was on track for a return to the VFL in "round 18 or 19", after receiving positive results from a scan on his injured knee on Monday.

"He ran for the first time on Monday on the ground," he said.

"We've got to get enough condition into him as far as football condition so he won't break down with a soft tissue injury.

"We're going to do the right thing by him."

West hasn't played since round six this year and has managed only four senior games due to bone bruising in his knee.

Eade said he had no doubt the seven-time best and fairest could not only return to the seniors this year, but add something to the side once he did.

"Apart from being a leader and his experience, he's a pretty tough player," he said.

"I think the way he can set an example for his teammates will be terrific for us."

He also said forward Mitch Hahn would be fine to play again this week after snapping his plantar fascia two weeks ago, while defender Tom Williams was available for selection after overcoming a shoulder injury.

"Tom was pretty close last week but we just didn't risk it," he said.

"He trained today and he'll be right on the weekend."