New Bulldog Josh Bruce at training. Picture: AFL Photos

BULLDOGS fans will have to wait another week to see gun recruit Josh Bruce. 

The former Saint will not be part of Friday's Marsh Community Series game against North Melbourne in as he battles a back spasm. 

MARSH EYE-CATCHERS Players to watch, players missing

Bruce has had a relatively faultless run throughout the pre-season, but the Bulldogs have elected not to risk him.

>> FULL MARSH W1 TEAMS ON AFL.COM.AU AND THE AFL LIVE OFFICIAL APP FROM 6.20PM AEDT

03:46

Vics v All-Stars: Who's playing from your club?

Ross Lyon, Matthew Lloyd and Neroli Meadows take a look at which players from each AFL club will play

"Brucey's had a bit of a back spasm and could have pushed to play but we thought we'd be conservative with him. We've got an intraclub next and he'll play Marsh 2," Bulldogs assistant coach Steven King said.

Ruckman Tim English will also be held out under the concussion protocol, after coping a head knock in an intraclub match last week. 

PRE-SEASON FIXTURE Check out your team's Marsh Community Series games

The West Australian had some 'mild headaches' following the incident.

"Timmy just didn't feel quite right five days out from this game. He'll be full training with the squad that's not playing tomorrow," King said.

Josh Bruce and Tim English in battle at training. Picture: AFL Photos

Jordon Sweet will get his chance as the No.1 ruckman after a strong season in the VFL last year. 

Aaron Naughton had a delayed start to the pre-season after injuring his knee in last year’s elimination final, but he looks a likely starter alongside Josh Schache in the forward line. 

Matt Suckling will also miss the game as the Bulldogs look to manage his workload, but he and Easton Wood (hamstring) look set to play in the second Marsh Community Series game.

A timeline has been put on Lin Jong's return, with the wingman set to miss the first four weeks of the premiership season.

"Jongy's had a shocking run. He's had this injury before, it was almost a year to the day," King said.

"He'll be out for the first month of the AFL season with a bit of tendon damage in his hamstring."

Jong took time away from the game last year to deal with mental health issues.

Lin Jong has suffered a high-grade hamstring injury. Picture: AFL Photos

The Bulldogs will play all 24 of their squad members on Friday night, but will likely substitute two players out at half-time, unless an injury strikes.

Ryan Gardner trained with the main squad on Thursday morning and looms likely as an option up forward if the Bulldogs want to manage Naughton's minutes.

Roughly 30 players lined up for a light skills session on Thursday morning, but draftees Cody Weightman and Louis Butler were not out there with the group.