Finding ways to limit comeback kid Nic Naitanui's influence around the stoppages will be one of the Western Bulldogs' priorities as they look to topple West Coast on Sunday at Etihad Stadium.

Naitanui has not played against the Western Bulldogs or at Etihad Stadium since round 11, 2016, when the Bulldogs defeated West Coast by eight points and limited his influence to just six disposals.

Nic Naitanui hasn't faced the Bulldogs since 2016. Credit:AAP

Since then the third man up has been banned at ruck contests and the Bulldogs have won a premiership.

However on Sunday, the big challenge of curbing the West Coast star's influence will fall to young ruckman Tim English and spare parts man Jordan Roughead.