WESTERN Bulldogs midfielder Lin Jong has taken the field in Footscray's VFL Grand Final against Casey on Sunday in a last-ditch bid to force his way into next week's AFL decider against the Sydney Swans.
The 23-year-old returns to competitive action just 17 days after breaking his collarbone in the elimination final win over West Coast at Domain Stadium.
Ruckmen Tom Campbell and Will Minson are also playing in the VFL decider and will be eager to put on a good showing.
Campbell and Minson have entered the selection frame after ruckman Jordan Roughead suffered a game-ending hyphema eye injury in Saturday's six-point preliminary final win over Greater Western Sydney.
Roughead, who consulted a specialist on Sunday, was struck flush in the face from a ball early in the second quarter against the Giants and sat out the rest of the match.
Footscray coach Ash Hansen said he had received no directive from Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge about managing the workloads of Jong, Campbell and Minson.
"Not at all and it's a great feeling going into this game knowing that we're full systems go," Hansen told Channel Seven before the game.
"We're full throttle to win this game of football which is really exciting."
The Bulldogs face a number of selection conundrums ahead of Saturday's Grand Final against the Sydney Swans.
Defender Fletcher Roberts came into the preliminary final side to replace Matt Suckling, who was ruled out due to Achilles soreness.