WESTERN Bulldogs warrior Lachie Hunter is pressing his case to play against Port Adelaide, just six days after breaking his hand.
The versatile Hunter will test out his left hand at training on Wednesday in preparation for his club's clash with a fellow premiership contender at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.
The 26-year-old was injured during the third quarter of the Bulldogs' comeback victory over Carlton on Sunday.
Bulldogs forward Josh Bruce lauded Hunter's determination to remain on the field against the Blues.
Hunter booted a crucial goal in the final term to help propel his team to a 16-point win at Marvel Stadium.
MEDICAL ROOM The full AFL injury list
"One of the toughest things I've seen to be able to play through with a broken hard," Bruce said.
"And actually have a really strong influence in a physical sense as well, he was laying tackles and putting pressure on and kicking clutch goals with a broken hand.
"It's pretty incredible and he's the kind of player who rarely misses.
"He told me after the game (his hand was broken) as we were walking off. You wouldn't have known otherwise."
The second-placed Bulldogs' game in South Australia shapes as the pick of the round, with Port Adelaide (6-2) a formidable prospect at home.
Another dominant game from Bruce would help the Bulldogs' chances of a road victory significantly.
The 28-year-old kicked five goals against Carlton and has rediscovered his best form after struggling last year, in his first season at the Whitten Oval since his big-money switch from St Kilda.
A fitter and happier Bruce is third in the Coleman Medal race with 25 goals, behind only Carlton big man Harry McKay (30) and rejuvenated Adelaide veteran Taylor Walker (27).
"Coming over from the Saints and not being accustomed to the way we played and then moving to Queensland ... I found it extremely challenging at times last year," Bruce said.
"Now I've had that continuity with the group, I'm starting to jell a little bit better and understand the way they want me to play."
