Sykes expects to make his return from a groin injury to play his first game of the year when the Bulldogs host Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes (MCUE).

Sykes has returned to Maher Oval this year to coach Turvey Park and Saturday will be his first game back in Bulldogs colours since 2005.

Sykes has got through training this week and will wait to see how he pulls up on Friday before committing 100 per cent to his return.

“More than likely I’ll play,” Sykes said.

“We had a pretty solid night on Tuesday and I got through it. The running is fine, it’s just the kicking part.”

After watching on from the sidelines in Turvey Park’s opening three games, Sykes is itching to get out on the paddock.

“I can’t wait,” he said.

“I hate watching. It feels like an extended pre-season.”

If he does play, Sykes will be joined by his younger brother Jeremy for his first game of the year.

Jeremy will arrive back in Wagga on Friday after an overseas holiday and be rushed straight into the Bulldogs’ midfield.

“He’ll be underdone,” Sykes said of his brother.

“But he’s got enough talent to get through.”

While Jeremy will slot into the midfield, Mitch plans to split his time between half-forward and on-ball.

“I’ll probably be more half-forward, then go through the midfield. Just to have another bigger body and leadership sort of stuff,” Sykes said.

Josh Campbell will also return to the Turvey Park team, but they lose Evan Smith to overseas for the rest of the year.

Truman Carroll is also in doubt as he battles a calf injury and Sykes is keen to play it safe with his assistant coach.

The undefeated Goannas have started the season on fire, with wins over Coolamon, Wagga Tigers and Leeton-Whitton.

Sykes has faith in the much-improved Bulldogs, who have won two of their first three games, ahead of another serious test.

“We’ll be competitive,” he said.

“If we play our best footy, I can’t see why we can’t win.

“We’re looking to be competitive. We’ve got a tough stretch of games and this is the first one.

“We’re looking to build as we go, but also keep the momentum going.”

Sykes watched MCUE’s win over Wagga Tigers and respects the Goannas.

“They’re a quality side,” he said.

“They’re full of bigger bodies, they’re solid and hard at it. They’ve got some quality players, Nath Byrne, he’s quality.

“They’re a good side.”

It will be Nathan Byrne’s first game against his old club, Turvey Park.