STAR Western Bulldogs forwards Aaron Naughton and Mitch Wallis are on track to play in the elimination final against St Kilda.
Naughton sustained a depressed cheekbone fracture in round 18 and underwent surgery on Tuesday.
"All went as well as we could have hoped and we remain optimistic that Aaron is going to take the field in the first final," Bulldogs medical services manager Chris Bell told westernbulldogs.com.au.
Wallis was sore after jarring his shoulder against Fremantle but the signs are positive for the Bulldogs' leading goalkicker.
"We’re working through a process with Mitch but remain confident he’ll play in the first final," Bell said.
If the Dogs needed a replacement up forward in case Naughton or Wallis don't get up in time, it probably won't be Josh Schache.
The former No.2 draft pick has battled groin and concussion injuries previously this year, and he'll again be unavailable for the next 1-3 weeks with some soreness in his Achilles tendon.
THE FULL INJURY LIST Who is racing the clock?
In better news, young forward Laitham Vandermeer and veteran Matt Suckling will reintegrate back into training after battling hamstring injuries and could also be ready to go for the first final.
Young forward Cody Weightman has been ruled out for the rest of the season with an ankle injury.
