THE Western Bulldogs are set to regain up to four key players for Sunday's clash with Collingwood at the MCG.
Coach Luke Beveridge is optimistic playmaker Matt Suckling and first-year key defender Marcus Adams will be fit to join suspended duo Matthew Boyd and Jack Redpath in the side to face the Magpies.
Suckling has missed the past month with an ankle injury, while a fractured finger saw Adams sit on the sidelines for a fortnight.
"Matt (Suckling’s) form earlier in the year was very good for us, and I think Marcus might be available as well," Beveridge said on Tuesday afternoon.
"Obviously Jack (Redpath) and Matty (Boyd) (will come) back from suspension, so we've got some decisions to make at match committee.
"Although GWS had our measure on Sunday, it wasn't all doldrums and there were some positives to take out of the game."
With injuries to fellow versatile playmakers Robert Murphy and Jason Johannisen, Beveridge said Suckling's skill set, flexibility and leadership would be important to his young side.
"He's been an extension of the coaches (on the field) - he's been playing that role significantly well over the last year and a half and it's important Matty picks up where he left off," Beveridge said.
"There's no doubt his teammates leverage off his good play and his leadership, and that's going to be important this week and the next few rounds."
After being "stoked" with his midfield's complete performance against Melbourne in round eight, Beveridge conceded his on-ball division was down against the Giants.
But he's backed them to bounce back against a Magpie midfield that had impressed him greatly of late.
"Our group is pretty proud and they'll go to work on some of those things that weren't at the forefront on Sunday (that they) have been so consistent with throughout the early rounds," he said.
"We'll be looking to be better at it because Collingwood's midfield is really strong and they've had a couple of terrific weeks.
"It's going to be important that underlying battle through the midfield this week."
Beveridge suggested draftee Baily Williams would retain his spot after impressing over the past two weeks and that key forward Tom Boyd is still a few weeks away with a lingering shoulder complaint.
The 20-year-old will resume through the VFL once he's declared fit.