Coach Rodney Eade has nominated Sam Reid and Dylan Addison as the leading contenders to take Daniel Giansiracusa's place in the Western Bulldogs line-up for Saturday night's clash with Hawthorn at Etihad Stadium.

Giansiracusa, who is expected to be sidelined for up to six weeks after undergoing knee surgery earlier in the week, will be difficult to replace, according to Eade.

"His last five, six, seven weeks have been fantastic," said Eade of 'Gia'. "I think he showed his leadership qualities (against North Melbourne) at the weekend to be able to come back and play in pain and discomfort - to not only play but have great impact on the game."

"He kicked three goals and set goals up and he'll certainly be missed."

Eade said the choice of a replacement would depend on match-ups, with Addison the better defensive option and 19-year-old Reid, who's been a big ball-winner over recent weeks for Williamstown in the VFL, a more attacking alternative.

"He's probably right in the mix, his form's been very good," said Eade of Reid.

"Dylan Addison's the other one, so whether we play a defender - we've got Murphy who could go forward - or whether we play a midfielder type, I think it will be between those two."

"(Brennan) Stack and (Tim) Callan are the other two as well, but I think it will be between Reid and Addison."

Mindful of the six-day break, Eade was careful not to overtax his players in Wednesday's training session at Whitten Oval.

Jason Akermanis was a non-starter because of a sore throat while Robert Murphy, Shaun Higgins and Lindsay Gilbee, who's nursing an ongoing ankle ligament strain, were confined to stationary drills.

Asked whether the club would be interested in recruiting Barry Hall should the veteran Sydney forward come onto the market, Eade said: "No, I don't think he's on our radar to be honest".

"We've got a couple of good young forwards, but how far they are away and how quickly they can develop only time will tell."

Eade said his contract negotiations were ongoing and any resolution, one way or the other, was still 'a couple of weeks away'.