WESTERN Bulldogs duo Sam Lloyd and Toby McLean are in the mix to return for Wednesday night's clash against Richmond.

The Dogs will need to make at least one change with midfielder Callum Porter picking up an AC joint injury in his debut last week.

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McLean starred in a scratch match against the Suns last Thursday, but was withdrawn during the game to ensure he would be fine if needed to be called up as an emergency.

After breaking into the side against GWS in round three, the 2016 premiership hero was dropped after the round six loss to Carlton.

Lloyd has missed four games since injuring his collar bone, but booted two goals in the scratch match last week.

"He's (Lloyd) played two scratch matches over the last couple of weeks and he definitely has thrown his name up for selection," Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said.

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Fellow forward Bailey Dale had been "slightly down" in form recently, with a lingering ankle injury forcing him out of the side last Thursday.

"He (Dale) carried an ankle injury for a few weeks, he was putting on a brave face which is always a little bit dangerous and making out he was going to be OK," Beveridge said.

"He should be available for selection next week – next game and if not the game after."

The Dogs hope to have Lachie Hunter returning soon after he took an indefinite break due to personal reasons.

After being suspended for four matches for a drink driving incident earlier in the year, Hunter played two games before he was ruled out on the eve of last week's clash against Gold Coast.

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"We anticipate Lachie Hunter will be available for selection again in a couple of games," Beveridge said.

"Lachie has had some challenges this year and we just felt it best in discussions with him that he comes out and follows a program and comes in fresh again.

"He's had a few things to deal with and I had a conversation with him yesterday and he's getting on top of those things.

"He's still physically in pretty good order."

The Dogs are getting closer to a full strength side with Aaron Naughton and Josh Dunkley on track to return from ankle syndesmosis injuries within the next few weeks, but Beveridge isn't certain he'll find out whether his team is the real deal over the fixture frenzy.

"Even the teams in the eight at the moment haven't necessarily played maybe the better teams, you don't know who they are yet," Beveridge said.

"West Coast are starting to emerge, some of the teams who were fancied early have had some injuries.

"I don't think you're certain until you get towards the round 16-17 mark."