The out of form Bulldogs will regain star forward Luke Saunders from injury as they try to secure the double-chance for the finals.

A loss to the lowly Storm combined with an Eaglehawk victory over Sandhurst would see Gisborne tumble from third to fourth.

Saunders, who returned to the club mid-season after an injury interrupted stint with Port Adelaide in the SANFL, has only played two senior games for Gisborne this year.

Saunders return will add some much-needed class to a Gisborne side which looked out of its depth last Saturday against South Bendigo.

“Luke Saunders and Luke Power will come back this week and I’ll probably play this week as well,’’ Gisborne coach Ty Elliott said.

“Cam Medica rolled his ankle (against South Bendigo), but he should be right to play.

“Anthony Belcher has missed a lot of footy and he’ll be better for last week’s game.’’

Elliott admitted his side has a lot of work to do to turn around its form.

“In the second half of the year we haven’t beaten a side in the top five, so that says a fair bit about our form,’’ he said.

“We have to work hard this week and make sure we get the win over Strathfieldsaye.’’

Golden Square, Gisborne’s potential rival in the qualifying final, is expected to regain coach Mark Adamson, centre half-forward Matt O’Toole and veteran Nick Carter for this Saturday’s clash with Kyneton at Country Vet Oval.

All three missed last Saturday’s clash against Maryborough to rest niggling injuries.

Kangaroo Flat will recall Grant Ford to the senior side for this Saturday night’s home game against Maryborough.

Ford made it through a reserves game last Saturday in his first match back from injury.