BOB MURPHY'S unexpected appearance in last week’s Western Bulldogs' line up has left the veteran captain feeling fit and ready for Friday night’s clash with Greater Western Sydney, teammate Mitch Wallis says.

Murphy was the travelling emergency last week but ended up playing in the Dogs' win over the Brisbane Lions when Jason Johannisen pulled out after hurting his back in the warm up.

Despite Murphy missing his scheduled rest, Wallis said the skipper would face the Giants.

"I think he's pulled up better from the game this week than he did last week," Wallis said.

"I know it was a fair coincidence JJ pulled out in the warm up …  [Murphy] had every intention to be rested but then played and contributed quite well.

"He trained well yesterday so I think he'll be available for selection, and he'll play and play well."

Wallis also said Johannisen, Jake Stringer and Tory Dickson should be available to return after injury, pending on how they got through training this week. 

Stringer has missed the past three games with a hamstring complaint, and Dickson the win over the Lions with a calf injury.

Matthew Boyd won't play this week and hasn't since round 16 because of an Achilles injury, but Wallis said he was confident the veteran hadn't played his last game despite announcing his end-of-season retirement on Tuesday.   

"If there's any player in the competition that could [get back], Matthew is one of them," he said.

"He gets the most out of his body, and he's still having major influence – I know he hasn't played in the senior team in recent weeks, but his impact at training and his leadership and his guidance of the younger teammates and people playing in the AFL has been second to none. 

"I believe there's one more spark in the old dog left, and hopefully he can get back because he really does deserve to finish off in the senior team." 

The Dogs are bracing for a spiteful Friday night against the Giants, given the history between the clubs relating to personnel switching between them and the fact their last two clashes were decided by a goal or less.

Livewire Giants forward Toby Greene's return from suspension will further enhance the growing rivalry.

Greene's other suspension this year came in round six when he was slugged two games for striking Caleb Daniel. 

"We'll focus on ourselves and the game will play out the way it will, but you can't write off a few fireworks with Toby," Wallis said.

"He's had a couple of weeks off so I'm guessing he'll have plenty of energy to inflict on us.

"We'll see how it goes but we'll definitely be up for the challenge.

"We do pencil in every game we play against this team.

"There will be a few fireworks I reckon, but again, it's about the four points and we really want to secure a spot in the top eight so a win is the most important thing."

The Bulldogs have won their past four games against Carlton, Gold Coast, Essendon and the Brisbane Lions, but Wallis admitted they will know more about themselves after lining up against the second-placed Giants.

"We've created great momentum," he said.

"We've played a month where we haven't lost and we're continuing to build.

"We had a little bit of a lapse in the middle of the game on the weekend but if we bring that pressure and ball movement we've been doing over the last couple of weeks, I think we should go really well against GWS and hopefully knock them off."

Wallis presented Ladder CEO Elisabeth Tuckey a cheque for $217,800 on Wednesday on behalf of the entire AFL male playing group.

Every AFL player donates $25 from every match fee to Ladder as part of the AFL Players Care program to help reduce youth homelessness in Australia.