Curtain raisers for players who miss out on selection?

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CURTAIN raisers might be the most cost-efficient way to get some game time into players not selected for AFL games, according to Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge.

With AFL-listed players not able to play in state league competitions, players that miss out on the best 22 are still in the dark over how they'll stay in game shape.
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"There's a chance there might be some curtain raiser opportunities against the team that we're playing," Beveridge said on Friday.

"It'll have to be that curtain raiser opportunity because we haven't got the staff to be at a different venue on separate days or the same day."

Beveridge says these curtain raisers might look more like competitive training sessions rather than a game.
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"You would be able to have some spirit in some 14 v 14 and reduced numbers type competitive games," Beveridge said.

"It's not going to be ideal but I think the players will need it for a period of time.

"It's just when you get into the back of the 17-game season whether it has run its race."
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The Bulldogs will have a relatively fit list by the time round two rolls around, with only five or six players in the rehabilitation group.

Tom Liberatore has got through the first week back comfortably, but the Dogs will manage his workload following a history of knee injuries.

"He's in that boat Libba as far as trying to do whatever he can to press for the 22 for round two," Beveridge said.

Riley Garcia is running really well and completed training fully. Positive signs in his recovery from the knee injury he suffered last year.

"We're conservatively ramping him (Garcia) up with his loads and he's come back in great shape so he's doing most of the training," Beveridge said.

Beveridge acknowledged defender Buku Khamis is a little bit behind the rest of the group and was pulled out of a few drills on Friday " to make sure everything was fluent".

Young midfielder Rhylee West looks like the only player ruled out of contention for round two with his PCL injury.

Listen to press conference here