THE WESTERN Bulldogs have a few options up their sleeve if Katie Brennan's appeal to have her two-match suspension overturned before the NAB AFLW Grand Final fails on Thursday. 

Emma Mackie has played three games this season, including rounds five and six, before she was omitted to make way for Brennan's return from an ankle injury in round seven. 

The former Australian cyclist and Box Hill best and fairest winner in last year's VFLW competition is a bit shorter (168cm to Brennan's 174cm) but still provides a good target. 

If the Bulldogs choose to go in another direction, small forward Kirsten McLeod could come into the picture. 

The speedster is recovering from a hamstring injury, but if she gets through training on Wednesday night, is considered a very good chance to return to the team. 

She kicked two goals in her most recent game, the round six loss to Greater Western Sydney.

Former Melbourne forward Jess Anderson has struggled to break into the side this year, managing just one game (when she did not have a disposal). She was, however, named an emergency in round seven. 

Bonnie Toogood, who has played at both ends of the ground in her first season, could swing forward, opening the door for Laura Bailey to come into the side as a defender.

Aasta O'Connor and Tiarna Ernst, the side's rucks, could also spend time up forward if required. 

Brennan was originally offered a one-match suspension with an early guilty plea for a dangerous tackle on Melbourne’s Harriet Cordner last Saturday night. As it was her second offence this season, she was ineligible for another reprimand. 

The Bulldogs' failed challenge at the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night meant Brennan's suspension was upgraded to two matches, with the club heading to the AFL Appeals Board in an attempt to have the suspension overturned.