Canberra recruit Allan, 30, has missed the past three matches with a knee issue and is desperate to get back on the field as the Bulldogs look to build on the momentum of beating Coolamon by six points last week.

It was their first road victory and first against a top five side, and a win over the Lions at Maher Oval would likely see them enter the top five for the first time this season.

The former Ainslie premiership winner seems more likely than not to play. But given Turvey Park are scheduled to play struggling Narrandera next week before a bye, it's making the decision a little tougher.

After not having a pre-season due to a knee cleanout, Olsson has still dominated the league and sits in equal second on the Riverina League's player of the year award.

Allan was named to return last week against the Hoppers, but withdrew late with the Bulldogs using defender Rhett Weidemann and midfielder Josh Ashcroft as stop-gap options in the ruck.

"It's just so frustrating at the moment, just little niggles. It all started with a knee injury mate playing basketball," Allan said.

"I just want to get right and get back on the paddock for the second half of the season.

"A couple more weeks and I should definitely be right. I'm actually away for the Narrandera game and then we've got the bye after that. I'll chat to Zocc (coach Michael Mazzocchi), it's maybe 50-50 of playing this weekend.

"I'm pretty keen to get back this weekend, especially against their ruckman (Olsson) who has been the best of the best.

"We'll see what happens come Thursday-Friday, then I'll make the decision."

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Allan said the Coolamon win will give belief to the sixth-placed Bulldogs they are capable of defeating teams above them on the ladder.

"The boys have been doing really well since I've been out, it's makes me more eager to get back," Allan said.

"Ashy (Ashcroft) has been stepping up in the ruck, he sent me a text saying he'd love for me to come back this week.

"It just shows the young boys that we can beat a top three side, which gets us up and about and excited. Hopefully we can take it into the Ganmain game.

"Playing more together and knowing how we play definitely helps. As we've been going on it's been getting better and better, especially in the middle and working out our structures."

The match is part of a bumper round 11 on Saturday, with the league's top six teams all facing each other.

Collingullie-Glenfield Park have won four of their last five games and can draw level with Coolamon on the ladder should they beat the Hoppers at Crossroads Oval.

Unbeaten Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes also host the fourth-placed Wagga Tigers, who are coming off a three-point win over Leeton-Whitton.

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