Travis Cloke is likely to remain in the VFL for at least another week despite an encouraging performance in his return game from mental heath issues.

The 30-year-old looked lively in his first competitive match since the Bulldogs' round 12 loss to Sydney, kicking three goals from 20 possessions gathered up forward and in the ruck in Footscray's win over Sandringham.

Bulldogs football director Chris Grant told SEN on Tuesday the club was thrilled with Cloke's performance and praised his courage in returning from the illness, but wanted the former Magpie to gain some continuity before returning to the senior side.

"He was really good on the weekend," Grant said.

"He kicked three (goals), but it more how he went about it that we were really pleased with.

"To return the way he did was tremendous, but I think both Travis and (the club) will be looking for that consistency for a week or two to put his hand back up for senior selection."

Grant would understand the pressures that come with being a AFL footballer – and in particular for a key forward - after he slotted 554 goals across 341 games in the red, white and blue.

The Australian Football Hall of Fame inductee applauded Cloke for the way he had approached his struggles and praised the support the football world had shown for former Magpie.

"Finding himself in that position where he felt comfortable to come out to the public was a huge step for him," Grant said.

"The club has been really supportive of him to give him the time that he felt he needed to come back and actually play the game.

"I think what's been really pleasing is the football industry and public have been really supportive of him too.

"The way he returned was a great indication of how he's feeling. It's just great to see him back playing."