Western Bulldogs will need to wait no longer to see Cody Weightman run out in the tri colours.
Weightman last played in the 2024 elimination finals loss against Hawthorn, and has been sidelined with knee issues that required five surgeries amid a two broken kneecaps and a fight with infection.
He was available last week to play, but was given an extra week to get himself prepared, and will be brought in for this week's clash against the Hawks on Friday at the MCG.
It will be his first game in 637 games.
The extended five-man bench has inspired Luke Beveridge's decision to bring in Weightman as he can be used sparingly.
The 25-year-old burst onto the scene in 2021, a grand final year, kicking 26 goals from 26 outings. He backed up his efforts with 36 and 34 goals in the years following before the 2024 campaign was marred by injury.
Young defender Jedd Busslinger is pushing his case for a return from shoulder injury, and will need to pass a fitness test before being considered for the Hawks clash.
The Bulldogs have righted the ship in the past month, claiming three wins to place them just outside the top six on percentage.
Hawthorn's game will be followed by a mouth-watering match-up with Adelaide before St Kilda and then the mid-season bye.
