Western Bulldogs star Bailey Smith is poised to return from injury against Hawthorn to offset the loss of fellow midfielder Tom Liberatore through concussion.

Liberatore will miss at least one match after he was concussed in a collision with Fremantle's Andrew Brayshaw during the Bulldogs' 49-point win in Perth last week.

Fellow gun Smith looms as a capable replacement, having resumed training with the Dogs' main group as he nears a comeback from a calf injury that has kept him out of action for two weeks.

Smith was involved in a lengthy discussion with coach Luke Beveridge after Wednesday's training session.

Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontemelli said his teammate is refreshed after a stint on the sidelines and excited about a possible comeback against the Hawks at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.

"Missing Tom with a concussion is a downer but to bring someone in who is going to be really physical and really want to impose himself on the game pretty quickly is a big positive," Bontempelli said.

"He was moving pretty well today so he'll definitely be right in the frame if things all go well."

The Bulldogs are hopeful Liberatore will be available to return in the round-eight meeting with GWS in Canberra.

"At this stage I've seen him do a few things (at training) and I think that means he's progressing quite well," Bontempelli said.

"It takes time to fully assess and get over the (concussion) symptoms but from what I can tell from speaking to him so far, it's in a pretty good space.

"We'll let it play out as the days unfold but hopefully get him back as soon as (possible)."