THE WESTERN Bulldogs could regain Robert Murphy this week but look unlikely to be strengthened by the return of Ryan Hargrave or Brad Johnson.

Eade said Murphy, who trained on Tuesday, was a chance to return to face the Brisbane Lions on Sunday, but rated Hargrave only 50-50.

"If there's any doubt and we don't think Murphy's up to it, we won't play him but at this stage he's tracking pretty well," Eade said.

"We'll wait until tomorrow to see about Hargrave. Johnno hasn't trained today and he is less likely than Robert."

Eade indicated the Bulldogs were more likely to regain their skipper for the round 13 match with West Coast.

He also said there could be changes made on form with Easton Wood in the selection frame.

Young gun Callan Ward played well for Williamstown reserves on the weekend in his first game for the year and will line up for the VFL seniors side this week.

Meanwhile, Jason Akermanis has had five days off and is set to return to the club and commence his rehabilitation program, which will include a fitness component.

Eade said he was about three weeks from being available for selection.

Eade admitted to frustration at the manner in which key player Shaun Higgins was injured during Sunday's clash with the Magpies.

Higgins is likely to miss three weeks but could be out for longer after slipping on loose turf at Etihad Stadium and rolling his ankle.

The playing surface at the venue has since come under fire.

While Eade said the Bulldogs were satisfied with their home ground arrangement with Etihad Stadium, he admitted that the club had spoken to the AFL regarding the venue.

"It's frustrating to see any player go down with injury," Eade said on Tuesday. "There are always circumstances around that.

"Obviously the club has spoken to the AFL and we'll leave it with the experts to have a talk about it.

"I'm not an expert on [the surface]. I'll have to talk to the horticulturalist and the medical people but from my point of view, it's just one of those things that happens.

"We like playing at Etihad. It's our home ground and we think it's okay."