THE WESTERN Bulldogs are confident key playmaker Liam Picken will recover from concussion in time for the Good Friday clash against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.
Picken lay motionless after colliding with Fremantle's Tommy Sheridan during the second quarter of the Dogs' shock loss to Dockers on Saturday night.
The 30-year-old was assisted from the field by trainers, and was then ruled out for the remainder of the game after failing a concussion test.
Bulldogs medical services manager Chris Bell told the club's website he was optimistic about Picken's chances of facing the Kangaroos.
"I'm happy to say (Liam's) symptoms were fast to resolve, but we'll have to continue to monitor Liam this week to determine his availability," Bell said.
Forward Stewart Crameri is no certainty to return to the senior side as he continues to battle a hip complaint that saw him sidelined for round three.
The former Bomber, who sat out last season due to a doping ban, could be forced to return through the VFL after having little impact in the opening two rounds of the season.
"Stewart developed some hip soreness in the days following our round two game," Bell said.
"We have managed him conservatively and we will continue to monitor to him over the coming days to dictate his availability."
Draftee ruckman Tim English (shin) and second-year key defender Kieran Collins are expected to return from injury layoffs to play in Footscray's VFL season opener on Friday.
