The Western Bulldogs could field four of their biggest names, including star fullback Brian Lake, in the VFL this week.

Lake faces a battle to find fitness for the opening round AFL clash with Essendon on March 27, having not played this pre-season after hip, shoulder and knee surgery.

A potential appearance for VFL club Williamstown against Box Hill on Friday would be a first step.

"He's trained this week, did some footy work this week, so hopefully he might be able to play at Williamstown. Then we have to make a decision does he play round one," coach Rodney Eade said.

Brownlow Medallist Adam Cooney, who played his first AFL pre-season game of the year on Saturday, kicking four goals against North Melbourne, could also be given another run.

Classy backmen Robert Murphy and Dale Morris are others who played against the Kangaroos, but will be considered for Williamstown, after light pre-seasons so far.

Recruits Patrick Veszpremi and Justin Sherman, who missed the match against the Kangaroos with minor injuries, might also play.

Lake's possible return for round one would be a timely boost for a defence which conceded 18 goals against the Kangaroos, including nine in the last quarter.

"That's a concern obviously, there's no doubt about that," Eade said.

"It was a bit of a shoot-out early too, which was a concern.

"I thought our defenders were poor all day."

But Eade was delighted that Cooney played about 60 minutes against the Kangaroos with no problems, after overcoming knee and hamstring injuries.

"We didn't have many good players but I thought Adam was one that actually showed a bit. It was pleasing for him to get through, but for him to have a few touches and kick some goals was a plus."

The Bulldogs will monitor Daniel Giansiracusa (ankle) and Lindsay Gilbee (hamstring), who sustained minor injuries, but are expected to face the Bombers.

The Kangaroos plan to field midfielder Ben Cunnington and defender Scott McMahon in the VFL this weekend and possibly key defender Nathan Grima, yet to play this pre-season with a back injury.

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