The Western Bulldogs are confident they will be able to unleash their two boom trade recruits during the AFL pre-season series as defender Alex Keath makes strong progress in his return from ankle surgery.

Former Adelaide backman Keath and ex-St Kilda forward Josh Bruce were targeted during the trade period to fill gaps in the Dogs' best line-up.

Alex Keath joined the Bulldogs during last year's trade period. Credit:AAP

The pair shape as valuable bookends for their new side as Luke Beveridge's men target a deeper run into September after last year's first-week exit.

Bruce was an early arrival at pre-season training and hasn't missed a beat over summer.