Morris' career looked over when he suffered a partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee at training in March.

The 36-year-old decided against surgery and made a successful return in the VFL last month.

After four solid matches at VFL level for Footscray, Morris will now add to his 252 AFL career games.

And he'll be joined in the side by debutant Rhylee West, who is the son of Bulldogs legend Scott West.

Rhylee, who was taken with pick No.26 in the 2018 national draft, is a tough inside midfielder but can also be used as a pressure forward.

His dad won seven best and fairest awards at the Bulldogs during a decorated 324-game career.

Morris is no stranger to career-threatening knee injuries.

The key defender suffered a partial tear of his ACL in the 2018 pre-season as well, but made it back to AFL ranks in round 11 that year.

Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge was thrilled to welcome back the "wise old man".

"You've come back stronger than you did last time," Beveridge said.

"It's a really good sign for us that we haven't been able to squeeze you in over the last couple weeks. It's good to get back."

The Bulldogs sit 12th on the ladder with an 8-9 record and must beat Fremantle to keep their slim finals hopes alive.

Fremantle, who are also 8-9, are hopeful skipper Nat Fyfe (infected elbow) and Rory Lobb (shoulder) will be given the green light to play.

Australian Associated Press