Bulldogs veteran Dale Morris has made a miraculous recovery from a high-grade ACL injury suffered in March, but the clock is already ticking.
He's set to play his first game for the year on Sunday and has five games to earn a deal for 2020.
The defender's return is a welcome one, given the Dogs have lacked key backmen this year, relying instead on skipper Easton Wood as well as Fletcher Roberts.
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Morris has spent the last month at VFL level, preparing for his AFL return.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday morning, Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says that the club will re-sign Morris if he proves he's still up to AFL standard, which would see Morris go on to play his 16th season at AFL level.
“I think Dale wants to play until his legs fall off and we’re open to that as long as he continues to belong at the level,” Beveridge said.
“It’s an important time for him to re-establish himself and we’d be delighted to think he plays good footy the back end of this year and he’s playing in 2020. We’re really open to that.
“If he’s physically okay and he’s playing good footy and we believe he can again next year then he’ll go on. And I think he’ll put up his hand if he doesn’t feel like he’s right.
“But I can’t see that happening. I think he’s going to be fine.”
Morris returns at the right time for the Dogs, as they sit one game (and more than 10 per cent) outside the top eight, with five games left in the year.
However, Beveridge says finals are still a chance.
"There's no wriggle room. We let one slip last week (against St Kilda) and I wouldn't imagine we're much of a chance if we drop any more," Beveridge said.
It's not just a special day for Morris, with Rhylee West, son of Bulldogs champion Scott West, set to make his debut.
Come Sunday's game against the Dockers, Morris will have played with both Scott and Rhylee at AFL level.