TRAVIS Cloke's return to the Western Bulldogs side appears at least another week away after he failed to check-in with teammates for a flight to Cairns to face Gold Coast.
With Jake Stringer missing through a hamstring injury and fellow key forward Jack Redpath struggling with a mystery injury that required scans during the week, Luke Beveridge said on Tuesday Cloke would "definitely be considered" after he "played pretty well" in his second VFL game back from a mental illness layoff.
With the former Magpie a no-show at Melbourne Airport, and Redpath making the trip north, albeit with a slight limp, it appears Easton Wood will be a straight swap for Stringer after the vice-captain served a one-match suspension for striking.
Premiership forward Tory Dickson also boarded the plane after being dropped following the round 15 loss to West Coast.
Midfielder Caleb Daniel told reporters before the Dogs flew out he wasn't sure how the Dogs would line up against the Suns.
"I'm not too sure if 'Clokey' or (Redpath) are playing, you better ask the coach that," Daniel said.
"If he is named this week you love a big forward up there with that sort of presence."
Veteran Matthew Boyd was also a noticeable absentee after missing last week's win over Carlton with a Achilles complaint.
With Wood returning to the side, the premiership captain may spend time up forward with first-year defender Lewis Young impressing in his customary role across half-back last week.
Daniel said the club wasn’t surprised that Young – the youngest player in the AFL – had acquitted himself so well on debut at the MCG.
"We always have faith in the young kids coming through, and he played a great game," Daniel said.
"He’s a pretty quiet sort of guy, a bit cheeky, but he’s been really good and always learning.
"He looks up to guys like Dale Morris that have been around there for 15 years, so he’s been really good."
Like many of his premiership teammates, Daniel has spent time in the VFL this season, but he believes the experience gave him time to work on some deficiencies.
Since returning to the side for the round six clash with Greater Western Sydney, the diminutive playmaker has averaged 23 disposals a game.
The 21-year-old said he and fellow third-years Toby McLean and Bailey Dale were hungry for more responsibility as the premiers look to keep their stumbling flag defence alive.
"We’re not kids anymore, we’re 21-years-old and really starting to mature," Daniel said.
"(Toby and Bailey) have been tremendous in the last few weeks and have really played out of their skin.
"They’re playing really good footy."
