Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade has earmarked versatile defender Dale Morris for the pivotal role of stopping Richmond key forward Jack Riewoldt in Sunday's AFL match at Etihad Stadium.

Eade has resisted the temptation to debut tall defender James Mulligan in the important clash.

Mulligan, young midfielder Mitch Wallis and Nathan Djerrkura would be omitted from the Dogs' extended 25-man squad later on Friday, Eade said.

Defender Ryan Hargrave will play his first match this season after training strongly on Friday at Whitten Oval.

But with out-of-form key defender Brian Lake to be kept in the reserves, Eade said Morris would be given the task of nullifying Riewoldt - this season's leading goalkicker and the reigning Coleman Medallist.

While Barry Hall (ankle), Shaun Higgins (groin) and Tom Williams (ankle) would all miss the match, Hall and Higgins were back at training on Friday.

The Bulldogs have won just two of their six matches this season, and are on a three-match losing streak.

The Tigers, impressive in beating finals contenders Fremantle last weekend, are on a three-match winning run.

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