The Western Bulldogs could drop Brian Lake this week to help the two-time AFL All-Australian defender regain form.

Lake struggled during Sunday's twilight loss to Collingwood and coach Rodney Eade has admitted to concern about how the full-back is progressing.

He needed off-season surgery for a hip injury and also has been struggling with a knee problem.

"He's got a bit of worry about his knee, his knee gets a little bit sore," Eade told Fox Sports' On The Couch.

"So we've got to make a decision about what's best for Brian, best for the football team.

"Is it best for Brian to go back to Williamstown until he gets that confidence?

"At times, he does zone off and it hurt us a little bit on the weekend, it cost us a couple of goals."

Robert Murphy was best for the Bulldogs against Collingwood, playing mainly as a defender as they try to cover some holes in their backline.

"Most of our injuries at the moment are (in) the back half - Brian is still finding his way, (Ryan) Hargrave is out, we've obviously lost (Easton) Wood," Eade said.

But one positive for the `Dogs was the successful return of ruckman Will Minson, who played his first senior game for the season.

Minson was credited with an extraordinary 56 hitouts against the Magpies.

He will stay in the team when Ben Hudson returns for Saturday's important clash against Sydney in Canberra.

"Will was quite good ... Sydney generally play two ruckmen, (Shane) Mumford is in very good form," Eade said.

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