The Western Bulldogs could be without three key players when they face North Melbourne on Sunday, with Roarke Smith, Marcus Adams and Billy Gowers all facing fitness tests.

Smith was left concussed in the Bulldogs’ win over St Kilda, and the club’s medical team are understandably taking a cautious approach with the 21-year-old.

“He's come in quite well today but we'll need to be conservative in our management of Roarke over the next week,” Medical Services Manager Chris Bell told the club’s website. 

“We'll go through our process of tests to make an accurate decision on his return to play plan.” 

Adams was kept out of last weekend’s win with a rotator cuff injury, but could be poised to make a comeback against the Roos.

“We're going to work with Marcus this week to determine his availability,” Bell said.

“But he'd have to come back with full strength and function (in his shoulder) so we'll work through a process over the next couple of days.” 

Gowers, the Bulldogs’ leading goal-kicker this season, could also be available as he recovers from an ankle injury. 

“He completed a great footy session on the weekend,” Bell said.  

“He's still got a fair few boxes for us to tick this Thursday, but once he gets through those tests we'll determine his availability.”