ROBERT Murphy won't play footy at any level this weekend, but the important forward isn't far away from resuming says football manager James Fantasia.

Murphy, 26, has been slowed by post-season knee surgery, but was named in last week's side to play Fremantle.

He was a late withdrawal from that game and didn't appear on the Dogs' team sheet published on Thursday ahead of Sunday's clash against North Melbourne.

Fantasia put it down to the club's cautious approach to his rehabilitation.

"There's a very good chance he could play next week," Fantasia told westernbulldogs.com.au.

"He keeps on just missing out and it's only because he's had a bit of bruising which, if he got a knock on, might set him back.

"We're just being cautious … so we just ruled him out."

The Dogs added three players – Tim Callan, Jarrod Harbrow and Liam Picken – to the side that downed Fremantle by 63 points.

"We didn't suffer any injuries that might create some movement, but those three boys who come onto the bench have a case to be given an opportunity," Fantasia said of the possibility of changing the winning combination.

Picken, 22, was elevated off the rookie list on Thursday when defender Paul O'Shea was moved onto the long-term injury list following hip surgery.

"Picken comes into the squad for the first time so I reckon that's pretty exciting," Fantasia said.

"He plays a midfield role and last year he was the joint best-and-fairest winner at Williamstown. He's a more mature player so he's got that stronger body with an excellent endurance component.

"If he doesn't get a crack this week I could certainly see him getting a run at some stage throughout the year on what he's shown in the pre-season."