TORY Dickson and Mitch Wallis have given the Western Bulldogs' match committee something to think about with starring performances in a VFL practice match win over Essendon on Saturday.

With both selected as emergencies for Sunday's clash with West Coast at Etihad Stadium, Dickson kicked four goals in the first half, while Wallis finished off his good work in the midfield with four majors and 29 possessions.

Dickson was rested in the second half and the premiership forward will be the match-day emergency for the game against the Eagles.

It was a different story for another emergency, Tom Boyd, as the high-priced big man struggled to get involved in the wide-open but error-ridden contest.

The 22-year-old looked devoid of confidence as he struggled with his timing in ruck contests, when attempting marks, and he failed to kick a goal.

He also received treatment on a knee concern at quarter time but appeared to play out the game without discomfort.

At one point in the third quarter, senior coach Luke Beveridge urged Boyd from his vantage point in the grandstand to be more proactive with getting himself back on the ground from the interchange bench.

Fellow key forward Josh Schache was rested from the hit-out after pulling up sore from training on Thursday, but the club expect him to be available for selection next week.

Axed premiership defender Shane Biggs (30 possessions) was serviceable across half-back but let himself down by turning the ball over on several occasions.

For Essendon, smooth-moving forward Jayden Leverde took several strong marks and kicked a goal, while versatile big man Shaun McKernan was a physical presence and also kicked a goal.