THE Western Bulldogs will go into Sunday's top-four tussle with West Coast without key playmakers Matthew Boyd and Liam Picken.

Coach Luke Beveridge said Boyd was suffering general soreness while Picken received a knee in the back during the Dogs' 98-point thrashing of Melbourne last Sunday.

"We think they're just one week at this stage," Beveridge said.

"As we have all year, I think we've been able to cover some experience coming out of the side and we should be OK."

The in-form duo will be a big loss for the Dogs ahead of a trip to Perth to face the Eagles in what's likely to be a finals-type atmosphere.

"It will be a big occasion because there'll be a big crowd (with) both teams playing for a bit," Beveridge said.

"There's some significance around it, so maybe that relates to how a final might be ... there is some similarities.

"We think Subiaco will suit us, we have no fears."

Vice-captain Jordan Roughead hasn't been recalled to help curtail Nic Naitanui in the ruck and stretch the Eagles up forward, with the versatile big man to spend a second week in the VFL in his return from a foot complaint.

However, running defender Jason Johannisen will return from a hamstring complaint and is a big inclusion for Beveridge's young side with Boyd missing off half-back.

Draftee Roarke Smith has been elevated off the rookie list and will become the seventh Bulldog to debut in 2015.

Like his coach, the athletic defender doesn't mind a skate.

"He's a free spirit, Roarke. We've had to stop him from riding his skateboard," Beveridge joked.

"We just mentioned in the (rooms) we tried to get (skateboarding legend) Tony Hawk in to present his jumper in Perth, but we couldn't get him out of the States.

"He's a great kid and we're sure he'll do well."

Bulldog debutant Roarke Smith takes to the training track on Thursday. Picture: Getty Images