Western Bulldogs defender Lukas Markovic is living his lifelong dream after making an unusual journey to the AFL club he supported as a kid.

Markovic's first taste of AFL life ended on a sour note when he was axed by Hawthorn without playing a game following an injury-riddled stint on their rookie list.

But instead of giving up, a promising return to VFL ranks opened up new doors for Markovic, who was handed a second chance when taken by the Bulldogs with pick No.63 at the 2009 national draft.

Markovic was a mad Bulldogs supporter growing up and idolised the likes of Chris Grant, Scott West and Brad Johnson.

Although the 24-year-old failed to crack a game in his first year on the Bulldogs' list, he hasn't missed a match this season and will again play a key defensive role in Sunday's clash with in-form West Coast at Patersons Stadium.

Markovic conceded he and his fellow defenders would have to be on their game against an Eagles forward set-up renowned for their tackling pressure and featuring marking options such as Josh Kennedy, Jack Darling, Mark LeCras, Quinten Lynch, Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui.

"We know it's not going to be an easy one," Markovic said.

"We've got to come with our heads screwed on.

"We have to be on our toes.

"What we've seen in the past few weeks is we can't have any lapses in concentration.

"When you've got the Eagles forward line bearing around and putting pressure on everywhere, we've got to be fully concentrating the whole time."

Markovic, who has played on the likes of Michael Hurley, Adam McPhee, Brad Miller and Sam Reid this season, said it was a dream come true to finally earn his chance at the elite level.

"It's been fantastic for me. It's been quite a long journey for me to get up to the level and I've been absolutely rapt to play every game," Markovic said.

"I knew I wasn't definitely guaranteed another crack (after being axed by Hawthorn) because it's a brutal industry really.

"I consider myself lucky to get another go. I've worked hard and it's starting to pay off.

"I was a Bulldogs supporter growing up so I really am living the ultimate dream, I'm loving every moment of it.

"I'm not there to do the flashy things, I just keep it basic.

"I'm 24 now and there's still a lot of learning in me. I look forward to getting better and I'm still trying to cement my spot in the side."

The Bulldogs recalled Shaun Higgins, Tom Williams and Easton Wood, but will give forward Barry Hall another week to recover from ankle surgery.

Dylan Addison (ankle) and Adam Cooney (knee) were forced out through injury, while Josh Hill was dropped.

The Eagles named Daniel Kerr (adductor) and Andrew Embley (hamstring) but the star duo must pass a fitness test on Saturday in order to take their place.

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