The 28-year-old has missed the past four weeks with a left hamstring injury sustained in the Bulldogs' round 13 win over Collingwood, but he'll need to undergo a test to prove his fitness later this week.

"Adam has been tracking really well, he’s got through some really quick speed running on the weekend, and he will train this week and test his availability," club medical services manager Andrew McKenzie said. 

With skipper Ryan Griffen almost certain to return from an illness that saw him a late withdrawal from the Dogs' impressive 28-point win over Gold Coast in Cairns, Cooney's inclusion would be a massive fillip for Brendan McCartney's improving young side.

Cooney has spent some of his time on the sidelines in a line-coaching role with the club's VFL side.

Goalsneak Tory Dickson may be right to play his first game in nearly two months after injuring his pectoral muscle in the round eight win over Melbourne, but the 26-year-old is more likely to resume through the VFL.