Premiership Bulldog Ready To Return

THE WESTERN Bulldogs' depth is set to be boosted again, with premiership player Toby McLean expected to return from his knee reconstruction to play in the VFL this week.

The 2016 flag winner went down with his season-ending knee injury in September last year, with the midfielder undergoing surgery after the round 17 incident.

But he has made strong progress throughout his rehabilitation and coach Luke Beveridge said McLean is likely to resume this week for the Footscray VFL line-up on Sunday against Casey Demons.

"Toby McLean we believe will play this week off his ACL. He obviously won't come back into the AFL side, but that will be an emotional lift for everyone again," Beveridge said on the weekend.

"He's been on that tumultuous journey of recovery, so that's going to be important for us."

The 25-year-old McLean had spent time out of the Dogs' senior side last year but shapes as an exciting addition to the midfield/forward line in the second half of the season.

The Dogs expect to get ruckman Tim English back from concussion for Friday night's huge clash with Melbourne after the big man turned the corner in his recovery late last week and stepped up his training.

Midfielder Patrick Lipinski will also be in line to return after missing Saturday night's thumping of St Kilda with a thigh injury, with Adam Treloar to miss with a suspected syndesmosis injury

Magic back is such good news. Hopefully pushing for selection after the bye.

English, Gardner, (Jamarra VFL) & Lipinski available is also good news.

Great having him back. Exciting to think his output is only going to get better. So much improvement in the team and list generally.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by bulldogtragic

Great having him back. Exciting to think his output is only going to get better. So much improvement in the team and list generally.

---

He didn't stand out today numbers wise, but he really looks to know what his role is and just really looks a best 22 player.
So glad he's come back nicely from a horrible injury.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Yankee Hotel Foxtrot

He didn't stand out today numbers wise, but he really looks to know what his role is and just really looks a best 22 player.
So glad he's come back nicely from a horrible injury.

---

He’s a clear upgrade on McNeil who has looked good this year. In team defence where we ground them into the ground, only one WCE player had more tackles than Toby. A goal, score Involvements and heaps of pressure acts etc. are great. And he’s only going to get better.

Madge was always a quality player and good ball user who has added a hard edge to his game. He rarely loses a one on one contest. It's great to have him back.