Toby McLean is set to make his long awaited return to footy this weekend through the VFL, officially named in Footscray's starting 22.

McLean has been sidelined since Round 16 of last season after suffering his second ACL injury in as many years, limited to just 12 games in 2020 and three in 2021.

The 26-year-old has impressed early on in his injury riddled career, kicking 14 goals during the Bulldogs' 2016 premiership year in what was just his second season in the game.

Josh Bruce won't be joining McLean in the Footscray forward line, with the key forward set to be rested after his return from an ACL injury last week. Now plagued by a hamstring strain, Bruce's journey back to AFL footy will have to wait at least one more week.

Stefan Martin has also been named in the side after being sidelined since Round 8 with an ongoing shoulder concern. The 35-year-old has managed just three games for the Bulldogs senior side.

Martin and McLean join ten other senior listed Bulldogs in the VFL side, with the seniors to play on Friday night against Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium.

Footscray are set to face the Box Hill Hawks on Saturday June 25 at Victoria University Whitten Oval.