Dogs fit and raring to go

ANY FITNESS concerns the Western Bulldogs might have had ahead of their qualifying final clash with Geelong have been erased at the team's Wednesday's training session.

Every player except defender Tom Williams – who is recovering from a broken foot – took part in the Whitten Oval hit-out, which lasted just over an hour.

Midfielder Ryan Griffen, who is set to play his first game since round 19, moved freely and showed no ill effects of the hamstring strain he sustained three weeks ago.

Ruckman Ben Hudson also ran well and was not hampered by the back-related hamstring tightness that caused his withdrawal from Sunday's win over Collingwood.

Forward Mitch Hahn, who coach Rodney Eade said on Tuesday was suffering from plantar fascia soreness, was also unhindered, while Daniel Cross competed the whole session after playing his first game on the weekend following two matches out with an ankle problem.

Williams completed some straight line running drills and walked laps in his third day of training since surgery before round 21.

The Dogs remain confident the tall backman will play in the VFL next weekend before coming into consideration for a return to the seniors.

Defender Brian Lake was absent as his partner Shannon was set to give birth, while young gun Callan Ward was at the NAB AFL Rising Star lunch at Crown.

A healthy crowd of about 300 Bulldogs fans turned out to watch the sunny mid-week training session, and were acknowledged by the players at the conclusion of their hit-out.