Forward Shaun Higgins is poised to boost the Western Bulldogs' firepower after overcoming an ankle injury.

Higgins will line up in next week's Friday night AFL clash with Hawthorn at the MCG following two weeks on the sidelines.

Coach Rodney Eade said the club had been cautious with Higgins, after initially planning to spell him for just one game, and several others could also return.

"I would think he'd be right for the Hawthorn game," Eade said.

"Callan Ward will come into serious consideration and Tom Williams will be available as well."

Eade also said Jason Akermanis - serving a club-imposed suspension relating to his dealings with the Bulldogs over a newspaper column on gay footballers - was training well.

The 33-year-old Brownlow Medallist - who returned to the airwaves on Wednesday after a self-imposed media ban - must play the next two rounds in the VFL as part of his continuing penance.

"At the moment indications are he's working really hard, his fitness base is getting up to where we'd like it and with those couple of games at Williamstown, if he plays well we'd love him back in the side," Eade said.

"His best footy is certainly going to be in our best 22 - there's no doubt about that.

"Everyone knows his ability to change games, he can kick goals and goals are priceless, especially in finals series."

Eade was less enthusiastic about Akermanis' claims to his listeners that he was in the side's top five players.

"Maybe there's a reality check there somewhere," Eade said.

"I think it's good that he's got confidence in his ability, but I think that most players who are 33 are not going to be in the top seven or eight players in the team."

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