Western Bulldogs spearhead Josh Bruce is a chance to make his AFL comeback against St Kilda after a serious knee injury.

The Western Bulldogs expect Aaron Naughton to be fit to play in the AFL crunch clash with St Kilda as they consider recalling fellow key forward Josh Bruce after long-term injury.

Star midfielder Bailey Smith will return from suspension for the Bulldogs in Friday night's contest, which is close to a virtual elimination final for both sides.

Bruce is a chance to feature at senior level for the first time in 2022 after suffering a serious knee injury that ruled him out of last year's finals campaign.

The ex-Saints spearhead kicked 4.5 in the Bulldogs' reserves last week and pressed his selection case when he took part in the main training session of the week at Whitten Oval on Wednesday.

"It's not great timing - five-day break after a state league game - but he seems like he's come through that game," Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said.

"He's healthy and he should be available for selection.

"There's every chance his name will be added to the team sheet."

Naughton is managing a sore knee after jarring it during last week's defeat to Sydney and missed Wednesday's main training session because of a bereavement commitment.

"He did some training early and we're managing him week to week," Beveridge said.

"He's got a niggle here and there but he should be fine."

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs will consider a range of options to ensure Anthony Scott's safety when he returns from his latest head knock.

Scott suffered a fractured skull and eye socket in a pre-season training accident and was concussed against Sydney.

He will miss the Saints clash because of concussion protocols.

"He feels OK but he gets some blurred vision, so we need to look after him," Beveridge said.

"Whether he wears a helmet or we try something different - we'll explore everything."