WESTERN Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says his side might get "an advantage" by selecting promising ruckman Tim English ahead of the more experienced Jackson Trengove for his side's round one clash with Sydney on Saturday night.

Speaking at Whitten Oval on Friday, Beveridge acknowledged the difficult decision to leave out Trengove in a more mobile outfit to face the Swans at Marvel Stadium.

"It's a borderline selection between him and 'Jacko' Trengove. Tim gets it this week and hopefully he plays really well," Beveridge said.

"I'm happy enough if (Callum) Sinclair plays forward; means we might get an advantage in the ruck with Tim. It might be whoever blinks first."

Faith has been shown in the 205cm English, who has played nine games across his two seasons at the club. However, Beveridge's expectations are modest.

"I prefer not to put all the responsibility on this game. Coming out party? Maybe if the party lasts for 22 rounds," he said.

"He's a young man who's still got a significant amount of development in him and as has been written and reported he's put on a fair bit of weight. He's progressing into a mature AFL footballer, so it'll be a test for him.

"We're not expecting him to go out and get the three Brownlow votes."

While aware of the challenges associated with opting for a smaller line-up against a Swans side with several tall options, it hasn't deterred the Dogs from also naming swingman Aaron Naughton forward in a bid to beef up their scoring power.

"Everything about him (Naughton) says he could be a prolific key forward. I suppose the thing about him at the moment is are we robbing Peter to pay Paul?

"If you get to know Aaron, he wants to take on the world. You put an opportunity in front of him and all you see is a twinkle in his eye.

"I believe we'll really test the Swans out on Saturday night."

In positive injury news, key forward Tom Boyd is progressing well and could be declared fit to play in a month's time.

"(He's) still a little way away, but what we're seeing he's bright within himself and he's pretty happy with the progress he's making," Beveridge said.

"We're hoping at the end of the next four weeks he might be able to play again. It is really encouraging for us."