The Western Bulldogs are likely to be without classy defender Robert Murphy for Sunday’s match against Fremantle at Patersons Stadium.

Murphy, who was subbed off with a hamstring injury in Saturday night's loss to Essendon, said while the damage was yet to be assessed, it did not feel like a serious tear.

"I pulled up a bit tight in the second quarter," he told the Seven Network's AFL Game Day on Sunday.

"I went back out and it tightened up even further.

"I haven't had a scan or anything, but I would think it's on the lower end, hopefully just one week."

Bulldogs’ coach Brendan McCartney wasn’t confident on Murphy’s hopes of lining up against Freo.

"They don't usually limp off and have ice on it and play the next week, I know that," McCartney said.

The Dogs should be boosted by the inclusion of talented young trio Mitch Wallis, Ayce Cordy and Mark Austin, all of whom McCartney said had been rested, rather than omitted for the Bombers clash.

McCartney also indicated brilliant midfielder Ryan Griffen, who received a knock to the calf on Saturday night, would be "OK" to play in Perth this Sunday.

The Bulldogs have lost three of their past four games by an average of 78 points.