But that will require their new-look midfield to step up again, says coach Luke Beveridge.
In Saturday night's 17.11 (113) to 14.13 (97) win over North Melbourne, Beveridge was delighted with how stand-in skipper Tom Liberatore, Ed Richards and other midfielders delivered in the absence of Marcus Bontempelli and Adam Treloar.
"The sharing of the load, while we've got some experience out that's not going to mend itself this week, that's going to continue," Beveridge said.
"So it's promising that Sando (Ryley Sanders) was able to stand up late. Joel Freijah did his bit. Matt Kennedy did his bit. James Harmes did his bit.
"Rhylee West spent some time up around the stoppage and centre bounce, and Josh Dolan even ended up at a stoppage or two.
"So we're going to need to do that."
None of Bontempelli (calf), Treloar (calf), Cody Weightman (knee) or Liam Jones (hamstring) will return at the MCG on Friday night.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is also unavailable as he deals with personal issues.
Luke Cleary will be sidelined after he was knocked out in a sickening collision with North Melbourne's Jackson Archer, while James O'Donnell suffered a suspected fractured jaw.
"I don't think anyone's due back this week," Beveridge said.
"A few boys played OK in the Footscray practice match against Werribee. So we'll consider those lads.
"There's obviously two obvious changes there. Hopefully we don't need too many more, but we'll process that during the week."
The Bulldogs and 2016 premiership coach Beveridge are excited to celebrate 100 years in the VFL/AFL.
"Collingwood being such a powerful club in the competition, you're guaranteed to get their parochial crowd there, and obviously they've come off a really big win as well tonight against Port, so they'll be up and about," Beveridge said.
"And for our folk, for all of our supporters rusted on or new: (I was asked) 'what's your message to your supporters, and what would be the one thing you'd say to the Western Bulldogs establishment, or the Western Bulldogs people at large?'
"And it would be to thank everyone for their commitment and contribution and love for the Dogs.
"Because there was a time when it wasn't certain that we'd be here, and now we're a flourishing club in a good position on and off the field, and a lot of people have contributed to that financially and otherwise.
"And so 100 years for us, it's a century now of hard work ... so it's a big week of celebration, and we'll hopefully carry some momentum into that game against the Pies."
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