THE WESTERN Bulldogs look set to gain playmakers Matthew Boyd and Liam Picken for Saturday's crucial clash with North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.

Both missed the loss to West Coast that saw the Bulldogs drop out of the top four, and the experienced duo's return from general soreness would be a massive fillip for Luke Beveridge's young side.

“Both Matthew and Liam have come through and come into the start of this week really well and got through what they needed to over the weekend, so there’s some really good signs," said Bulldogs football manager Graham Lowe.

“We certainly need to train them on the back end of the week, but signs are really good for them to be fit and available for this weekend.”

Match preview: Kangaroos v Bulldogs

The news is also good for gun defender Dale Morris, with the veteran pulling up better than expected from an Achilles injury that forced him to be subbed out against the Eagles.

“Dale had a bit of Achilles aggravation in one of his legs, we just wanted to manage him conservatively through that," said Lowe.

“He’s come in well this week, he’s presented well today and he’ll get through training this week with a view to being available for selection this weekend.”

Forward Jarrad Grant (broken nose) and defender Michael Talia (rolled ankle) are also in doubt to face the Kangaroos.