WESTERN Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has confirmed the club's interest in Essendon star Michael Hurley.

Despite being contracted for 2017, Hurley is yet to commit to the Bombers in the fallout from the supplements scandal, and there's been speculation the Dogs have made strong overtures to the 2015 All Australian key defender.

The 25-year-old is understood to be in no rush to declare his intentions, and while the Bombers remain confident they'll retain his services, Hurley is keeping his options open as he works his way towards a final decision while serving his season-long suspension.

Dogs hopeful key duo will be back for finals

Hurley, Jobe Watson, Michael Hibberd, Ben Howlett, Tayte Pears and Brent Stanton are suspended Essendon players still to declare their intentions for next season.

"If any one of the boys who hasn't made a decision decides they want to move on, us, like the other 16 clubs, need to consider the prospect on them coming (into our club)," Beveridge said.

"Michael is one of those (players), and he's a very, very good player.

"If that's the decision Michael makes, we need to make sure we throw our hat in the ring."

The Bulldogs' key defensive stocks appear one of the club's few weaknesses, and adding Hurley to a backline containing fellow All Australian Robert Murphy, Easton Wood, Dale Morris and Matthew Boyd would enhance the its premiership credentials greatly.

First-year sensation Marcus Adams has been the Dogs' first-choice key defender when fit, with Fletcher Roberts and draftee Kieran Collins still developing.

While the arrival of Hurley next season would instantly make the Dogs a flag fancy, Beveridge hasn't given up hope that his injury-ravaged side can give its lone 1954 premiership cup some long overdue company this September.

In the wake of injuries to key midfielders Tom Liberatore and Jack Macrae last week, many have questioned whether those hits coupled with season-ending injuries to skipper Murphy, Mitch Wallis and Jack Redpath will leave the brave Bulldogs too short on manpower to do any damage in the finals.

"Try telling our players (our season is over)," Beveridge said.

"We think there is some boys that can definitely come into the side and help us on our way.

"Nathan Hrovat, Lukas Webb, Bailey Dale and Will (Minson) all played well (in the VFL)."

Beveridge is confident veterans Morris (hamstring) and Boyd (Achilles) would be right for Saturday night's clash with North Melbourne, but former Hawk Matt Suckling is only "50-50" with an Achilles injury.