Decorated Western Bulldogs veteran Scott West says he is hopeful of returning to the playing field in three weeks, as he continues his recovery from a nagging knee injury.

The 33-year-old, seven-time best and fairest has played just one AFL game since round three because of a bone stress injury that was originally expected to sideline him for just two or three weeks.

West said he could have pushed himself to return earlier, but wanted to ensure he was in full fitness as the club headed towards the finals.

"I just need to get it right. I just need to become 100 per cent confident that soreness is going to be out of it," he told the Seven Network.

The gun midfielder said he had been close to returning at one stage.

"I'd been running for two-and-a-half weeks, nearly back training with the group, I just got a little bit more soreness in the bone so I went and re-scanned," he said.

"It just wasn't where I'd like it to be so we've taken a couple weeks off just to make sure coming into the last part of the year that I can get back to be 100 per cent right.

"Hopefully (I'll be) playing in three weeks, I have another scan during the week this week, but hopefully back playing in three weeks."

West is expected to make his return through VFL side Williamstown, before rejoining the senior side.

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