Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli is ready to go for next weekend's elimination final against Fremantle, cleared of the adductor issue that left an injury cloud over his head for much of the past month.
The skipper featured in the Dogs' must-win clash against Hawthorn in Round 23, performing admirably to help his side get over the line and sneak into the top eight, but is now "feeling good" ahead of week one of finals.
Speaking to media on Friday,ย Bontempelli said he was right to make the trip to Perth to feature in the do or die clash, crediting the pre-finals bye as a benefit to his recovery.
"It wasn't as bad as what was put out ... it was more of an overload result from a corkie the previous week," Bontempelli said.
"He (Beveridge) was correct in the fact that we had a bit of a sit down and a chat about it.
"I know where my body's at so it was a good discussion around it but I'm feeling pretty good and I'm definitely over the adductor stuff now, which is good.
"I've found, like every year, you're dealing with different things and probably everyone is across the League at this point.
"The pre-finals bye does present that opportunity to freshen your mind and your body up and get set to go for another finals series."
Jason Johannisen remains in doubt for the trip west as he deals with an ongoing ankle issue, having not played since Round 20.
"He's tracking well and I think he has one or two speed-based parameters to tick off, but the good thing is we've got the time for that," Bontempelli said.
"I think he'll definitely be in the window to hopefully play."
Hayden Crozier is also facing a test for an ankle injury, also expected to be right to be in the selection frame.
Fremantle will host the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium on Saturday, September 3. The match is scheduled for a 8:10pm (AEST) start.
