THE WESTERN Bulldogs appear to have three players in line to replace injured midfielder Lin Jong for Friday night's semi-final against Hawthorn.

Forward Toby McLean, midfielder Lukas Webb and running defender Roarke Smith were all late withdrawals from Footscray's 18-point VFL semi-final over Essendon on Sunday.

With only a five-day break until the AFL final, the trio are frontrunners to replace Jong after he broke his collarbone in the stirring win over West Coast.

McLean, who was a travelling emergency for the Eagles clash, hasn't played since the final home and away game of the VFL season on August 27.

The 20-year-old also missed a large chunk of the season with an ankle injury and has only played one senior game since round 11.

Webb and Smith were solid contributors for Footscray last weekend and have played five and one AFL games this season respectively.

Of the other possible inclusions, Koby Stevens, Nathan Hrovat and Bailey Williams all appear out of the selection picture after playing a full game against the Bombers under the watchful eye of coach Luke Beveridge.

All three were solid contributors with Hrovat kicking a crucial goal late in the final term from the boundary.

Out of contract and out of favour at this late stage of the season, there's doubt on whether Stevens and Hrovat will remain at Whitten Oval beyond this season.

Senior-list players Jed Adcock, Mitch Honeychurch and Bailey Dale (three goals) were three of Footscray's best while dumped key defender Fletcher Roberts toiled manfully.

Ruckmen Tom Campbell and Will Minson had little impact on the game opposed to Bombers' veteran Mark Jamar.

Footscray's come-from-behind win would have pleased Beveridge as it gave the club's fringe players another chance to push for senior recall if the Dogs can manage to spring another AFL upset against the Hawks.