DEFENSIVE playmaker Brad Lynch will make his debut for the Western Bulldogs against Geelong at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.

The 20-year-old West Australian has only returned in recent weeks from a two-month layoff with a serious hamstring injury, but he was one of Footscray's best on the weekend with 19 disposals and six marks.

In his third season on the rookie list at Whitten Oval, Lynch possesses searing pace and is a sound kick on both feet, but his progress has been hampered by his troublesome hamstrings.

Only slightly built when he arrived at the club, Lynch has been compared to former club captain Robert Murphy with his ability to break the lines and set up play across half-back.

Lynch has worked hard to build his body up in the gym and improve his physicality.

The Swan Districts product, who was taken with pick 11 in the 2016 NAB AFL Rookie Draft, will be the fourth Bulldog to debut this season behind Aaron Naughton, Billy Gowers and Ed Richards.