FOR a team perceived to be lacking in confidence and leadership, the return of Jack Redpath could be the fillip to get the winless Western Bulldogs' season back on track.
The hulking forward is considered the 'spiritual leader' of Whitten Oval, as he's forged strong relationships throughout the playing list and upholds the professional standards the club demands.
Having missed the first two games of the season after receiving a three-game suspension in round 21 last year, the 27-year-old was also unavailable last week after an administration bungle saw him selected in a VFL practice match when unqualified.
Redpath will give the Dogs a strong focal point in attack against Essendon on Sunday, but also some direction to a side coming off hidings from Greater Western Sydney and West Coast.
Despite only playing in 34 games in six seasons at the club, Redpath was unanimously voted into Dogs' leadership group at the start of 2018.
Coach Luke Beveridge welcomed the highly respected clubman's return after a testing start to the season for his side.
"As we evolve, it's really important that the players are pushing that agenda, and Jack's one of the leaders that do that," Beveridge said on Saturday morning.
"That's a great vote of confidence from his teammates (to be added to the leadership group) and they want him to really show the way, (and) whether it's voice or action, he keeps everyone honest.
'"Big Red' has had a tough time (through suspension) for something that if it happened now, he'd probably get a fine, and he's ended up getting four games now.
"He's kept it together and we're looking for him to provide some serious forward line opportunities tomorrow."
The Dogs have also welcomed back premiership forward Tory Dickson and hard-working midfielder Mitch Wallis for the clash with Bombers, with Beveridge commending the duo for coming back from numerous setbacks.
Dickson had several minor injuries that have hampered his pre-season, while Wallis is still getting back to his best after badly breaking his leg in 2016.
"Tory has been really important as that threat forward and a little bit of wing, while Mitch has found his way back (into the senior side) after a tough journey with that broken leg," Beveridge said.
"Although Mitch's early form when he came back last year was pretty good, that consistency wasn't quite there."
Big men Jackson Trengove (shoulder) and Jordan Roughead (concussion) were forced changes for the Dogs, while fourth-year midfielder Lukas Webb has been dropped.
With the Dogs losing that big-man power, it was expected premiership hero Tom Boyd could be recalled to fill the void.
However, the 22-year-old is one of the four emergencies after failing to convince Beveridge he's ready for a senior return following several VFL practice matches.
"He's a really important player and part of our future, but we just need him to play well at the lower level, find his mojo as a forward and contribute in other areas (of the ground)," Beveridge said.
"Early in last week's game he copped a knock and it incapacitated him for the rest of his day.
"Now is not ideal time to come in when he's not playing so well, and we're not as a group, so we'll find the right time and hopefully that's over the course of the next few weeks."
