TRADE speculation surrounding Western Bulldogs midfielder Lin Jong should only influence his chances of Grand Final selection if the club is certain he is leaving, according to premiership coach Paul Roos.   

Roos, who led the Sydney Swans to the drought-breaking 2005 premiership, has long held the view that he would not play a player he was certain was going to leave the club at the end of the year. 

However, he told AFL.com.au that as long as Jong hadn't made up his mind to leave the Bulldogs, a normal selection process should apply to Jong as he tries to force his way into the Grand Final team.

"My view on it has always been pretty black and white, if I knew a player was going to another club, I wouldn't play him," Roos said.

"[But] it really depends on what stage of thinking that he [Jong] is at.

"If he is still exploring and the Bulldogs think he is a chance to stay, well, I think it is a normal selection decision that you make."

Jong toured Collingwood's facility in the middle of the season and has been subsequently linked with Gold Coast, however the Bulldogs have been steadfast in their support of the respected midfielder.

A mid-season survey of AFL coaches published in the AFL Record found 10 coaches would select a player who they knew had met with a rival club, one would not, and seven would continue to do so "only if he could help us win". 

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said in July that Jong was a much-loved player and a key part of the Bulldogs' plans for the season.   

He has had no hesitation in continuing to pick Jong, who has played in 16 games this season and played 10 consecutive games from round 15 until he broke his collarbone in the elimination final. 

Jong's injury occurred on September 8 but he had surgery the following day and returned to play in the VFL Grand Final on September 25.

He then picked up 29 disposals and six inside 50s to win the Norm Goss Medal for best on ground in an amazing display of resilience to move in line for potential selection.

Roos said it was always hard to make definitive statements from outside clubs but he suspected Jong had not yet made a decision on what he would do next season.

"If that is the case you just pick your best 22 and I would have him in consideration," Roos said.

"The fact he played in the first final means he is clearly up for selection and now it is whether he can push into the best 22."

Toby McLean was included after Jong became unavailable and he has performed well in both the semi-final against Hawthorn and the preliminary final against Greater Western Sydney.

Hawthorn had no hesitation selecting Lance Franklin in the 2013 Grand Final despite rampant speculation he was leaving, while Adelaide continued to play Patrick Dangerfield in last year's finals series although key officials were aware he was likely to leave.

Western Bulldogs defender Matt Suckling played in the Hawks' 2015 premiership before joining the Bulldogs as a free agent.