TALENTED Western Bulldogs' midfielder Tom Liberatore will play against Collingwood at Etihad Stadium next Saturday provided he pulls up well from his impressive comeback from injury against Melbourne at Craigieburn.

The 23-year-old had 16 disposals, winning 10 uncontested possessions and using the ball well by foot in his first game back after a knee reconstruction kept him sidelined for 2015.

Liberatore's kick to Tom Boyd midway through the second quarter was one of the highlights of the day for Bulldogs' fans with an eye on the future.

Young Bulldog adds some Steele to his game

Bulldogs' coach Luke Beveridge said he was rapt Liberatore came through the game unscathed and described his effort as encouraging.

"He had some good moments for us and definitely had a solid contribution," Beveridge said.

"He will just keep getting better and better week to week. [For his] first game after a long lay-off you couldn't have asked for much more."

Liberatore won the Bulldogs best and fairest in 2014 after being runner-up in 2013. He was also an All-Australian nominee in 2014.

Beveridge said there was still plenty of scope for Liberatore to improve, building on his elite inside game.

"I have no doubt he will contribute forward of the ball so, like the rest of his counterparts who play through the midfield, we will grow his versatility," Beveridge said.

The young Bulldogs were missing Robert Murphy, Dale Morris, Jake Stringer, Marcus Bontempelli, Luke Dahlhaus, Tory Dickson, Lachie Hunter, Jason Johannisen, Jack Macrae, Liam Picken, Koby Stevens, Matthew Suckling, Mitch Wallis and Easton Wood against Melbourne.

All are expected to play against Collingwood as Beveridge settles the line-up ahead of the opening round against Fremantle.

Beveridge said he was pleased to have played every available player on the list during the NAB Challenge and was impressed with what the youngsters showed.

Young ruckman Tom Campbell was rewarded with the captaincy for the day against Melbourne after not missing a beat for the pre-season.

"We see him as part of our future and a future leader of our football club," Beveridge said.

Tom Liberatore looked comfortable on Sunday afternoon. Picture: AFL Media