Western Bulldogs backman Ryan Gardner is understood to be on the outer of Luke Beveridge's selection planning for the Grand Final.

According to Fox Footy'sย Tom Morris, Gardner has been notified that he has been omitted from the side that will line up against Melbourne at Optus Stadium on Saturday.

The Bulldogs are set to welcome forward Cody Weightman and defender Alex Keath back from injury for the premiership decider, with the latter tipped to take Gardner's place in Beveridge's backline.

Keath battled hamstring tightness prior to the Bulldogs' preliminary final victory over Port Adelaide, with premiership defender Zaine Cordy coming into the team.

Cordy now looks likely to retain his place down back for the Dogs, with Gardner the unlucky defender to make way for Keath's inclusion.

Gardner has played nine games for the Bulldogs this season, having played three consecutive games on three occasions throughout the year in trying to cement his place at AFL level.

RYAN GARDNER
Defender
Bulldogs
2021 SEASON AVG
6.1
Disposals
2.2
Marks
1.3
Rebound50s

The former Geelong draftee made his AFL debut with the Bulldogs in 2019 after being cut from the Cats and selected in the 2019 Mid-Season Draft by the Dogs.

The other likely selection call for Beveridge will see who comes out of the side for Weightman, with the livewire forward returning from concussion.

Versatile forward Laitham Vandermeer suffered a hamstring injury in the preliminary final win over the Power, but is believed to still be in the selection frame.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 04: Cody Weightman of the Bulldogs celebrates kicking a goal during the round 16 AFL match between Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne Kangaroos at Marvel Stadium on July 04, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Should the 22-year-old remain sidelined, a straight swap for Weightman is the likely outcome.

The Bulldogs and Demons will confirm their sides for Saturday's Grand Final at 6:20pm AEST.