The Western Bulldogs have ruled three players out of Friday night’s Marsh Community Series match against North Melbourne.

Ruckman Tim English, key forward Josh Bruce and utility Matt Suckling will all miss the clash.

English will miss through concussion, in line with the AFL concussion policy, following a head knock in match simulation last week.

His symptoms have cleared and he is expected to be available for the Bulldogs’ second pre-season match, against Port Adelaide on March 7.

Bruce and Suckling are also expected to be fit for that match.

A cautious approach has been taken with recruit Bruce following a back spasm, while Suckling’s pre-season preparations are being managed ahead of the season proper.

The Bulldogs team of 24 players for tomorrow’s match will be announced at 6.20pm AEDT tonight.

A return to play timeframe has also been confirmed for Lin Jong, who sustained a high-grade hamstring injury in match simulation last week. Jong is expected to miss the first month of the AFL season.