WESTERN Bulldogs midfielder Mitch Wallis is likely to make his return from a badly broken leg in the VFL on Friday night.

The 24-year-old sustained the sickening injury in round 18 last season, forcing him to miss the Bulldogs' premiership triumph.

Bulldogs medical services manager Chris Bell told westernbulldogs.com.au a decision on Wallis' availability would be made later in the week.

"Mitch has progressed through a comprehensive rehabilitation program and is in line to be available for selection this week at VFL level," Bell said.

"Mitch has excelled through his final stages of rehab and it’s testament to his hard work and dedication."

In further good news, premiership forward Tory Dickson could join Wallis in Footscray's side to play North Ballarat, after he resumed full training this week in his return from an abdominal strain.

The 29-year-old, who had a limited pre-season due to off-season groin surgery, has kicked 90 goals in the past two seasons.

"We’ve been cautious in Tory’s rehab to ensure he regains some continuity in his training," Bell said.

"We’ll continue to monitor Tory throughout the week to dictate his availability through the VFL this week."

But luck has deserted draftee Patrick Lipinski, with the clever forward needing surgery after fracturing his collarbone in the VFL on the weekend.

Taken at pick 28 in last year's NAB AFL Draft, the 19-year-old Northern Knights product kicked five goals in his state league debut last week.