The Western Bulldogs will reportedly name James Harmes in their side for Friday's elimination final against Hawthorn.
Harmes has not played at AFL level since Round 12 due to both injury and form, with multiple hamstring concerns interrupting the midriff of his 2024 campaign.
The former Demon was among Footscray's best performers in their VFL finals win over Brisbane last weekend, collecting 37 disposals and a goal to secure a preliminary final in the state league competition for the Dogs.
Coach Luke Beveridge is weighing up several selection matters ahead of the club's September return, with midfielder Adam Treloar (calf) and utility Laitham Vandermeer (hamstring) both carrying injury complaints into finals.
Small forward Rhylee West is likely to return from a fractured jaw that kept him out of action for the Dogs' Round 24 win over GWS, with the pre-finals bye giving the father-son Bulldog the time needed to recover in time for this week's clash with Hawthorn.
According toย AFL.com.au,ย Harmes is set to return to Beveridge's side for the must-win encounter against a surging Hawks outfit, bringing eight games of finals experience into the Dogs' 23-man squad.
Harmes has played eight games in the red, white and blue this year, his first season with the club since switching from Melbourne.
Small forward Arthur Jones could fall out of Beveridge's side for either Harmes or West, while veteran Jason Johannisen is another in the mix for a recall after overcoming hamstring and calf injuries that have plagued his 2024 season.
If Treloar is ruled out, Harmes will slot into the midfield pecking order in the Dogs' side, while the potential absence of Vandermeer could see Jones hold his spot with West coming into the team
The Western Bulldogs will name their team on Thursday evening at 6:20 pm (AEST), with the final squad to be confirmed an hour before Friday's 7:40 pm bounce.
