Having endured a bruising pre-season competition, the Western Bulldogs expect three major names to return this week, while their ruck stocks have also been given a boost.

Star midfielder Marcus Bontempelli, veteran Matthew Boyd and former Magpie Travis Cloke will train this week and the Dogs on Monday expected them to line up in the final JLT practice match, against the Gold Coast Suns at Metricon Stadium on Thursday night.

Marcus Bontempelli could be one of three big Bulldog inclusions this week Credit:AFL Media

Bontempelli has battled a minor ankle issue since a pre-season camp in Mooloolaba and has not played in the Dogs' opening two practice matches, losses to Demons and the Brisbane Lions.

He was named to play against the Lions at Etihad Stadium but was a late withdrawal. Boyd and Cloke were also named in the original squad but were late withdrawals.