The Dogs have named Timms for their round 18 clash with Russells Creek at Dennington Recreation Reserve.

The highly-rated forward last played in the Warrnambool and District league with Timboon Demons and was a crucial part of their 2008 premiership.

He returns after a season-and-a-half stint at Queensland club North Mackay and could be the X-factor the Dogs need to progress deep in finals.

Dennington coach Darcy Lewis said Timms had impressed in his four games in the reserves, prompting the call-up.

“He’s been working nights. We haven’t seen a lot of him,” he said.

“But he’s as fit as anything. His skills are great. He does gym every day because he works nights.

“He’s been in great form. He’s a class act.”

Lewis said Timms had returned to Victoria in better shape than when he helped the Demons to the flag five years ago.

“He was carrying a bit of weight back then. He’s carrying nothing now, he’s fit as,” he said.

“He still plays with that hardness and courage. He just looks a step ahead.”

Timms is one of two inclusions for the Dogs. Luke Moutray has recovered from a bruised kidney and will provide a key-position option in the backline.

Jyles Lebler drops to the reserves, while Sam Lewis will miss with a broken finger but should be back for finals.

Russells Creek has included Nick Whiting at the expense of Mark Bruce.

The Kangaroos need to win to secure sixth spot, a credible performance in Darren Little’s second year at the helm.

Full-forward Darren Kelly will make a timely return for Allansford when the Cats take on Kolora-Noorat at Noorat Recreation Reserve.

Kelly has missed the past five weeks with an AC joint injury but joins Brad Cook as inclusions.

Dave Pullen hyper-extended a knee at training and will miss, while Josh Monaghan is managing an ongoing knee complaint.

Brett Membrey will again miss with a dislocated thumb.

Kolora-Noorat has made one change, regaining crafty forward Tim Attrill for onballer Joe Kenna. Luke Rounds remains sidelined with an ankle complaint.

Lively forward Jack Spokes is one of three inclusions for Nirranda for its match against Merrivale at Nirranda Recreation Reserve.

Thomas Dark and Ben Blair also return for the Blues, who lose ruckman Will McOrist, Matt Barton and Sam Haberfield.

Merrivale has made three changes, welcoming back Josh Guiney, Josh Sobey and Sam Green.

Claye Cassidy has succumbed to a minor back injury while Jordan Brown and Sam Green are also out.

Deakin University will field one of its strongest sides for the season when it takes on East Warrnambool at Mortlake’s D. C. Farran Oval.

Paul Shields and James Wright return for the Sharks at the expense of Adam Williams and Joe Smith.

East Warrnambool has added Luke Rudland-Castles and Sid Ferrier for Tim Chatfield (shoulder) and Simon Tindall (unavailable).

Panmure will welcome Timboon Demons to Panmure Recreation Reserve with an unchanged side.

The Demons have lost key forward Sam Hickey and Jacob Cahill, while Dylan Smith is omitted.

Sam Negrello, Josh Fagan and Paul Vogels come into the side.

A broken thumb has ruled Paul Campbell out of the Old Collegians side for its clash against South Rovers at Davidson Oval.

Campbell and Ben Clark (knee) drop out, opening the door for Paul Kelly and Xavier Farrelly to return.

Rovers have lost three players through injury — Andrew Uzkuraitis and Shane Hart are battling knee complaints, while Dominic Bushell has hurt his shoulder.

Lachlan Cowell has returned to help the under 17½ side as it gears up for finals.

Braden Hotker is the pick of the inclusions. Matthew Rylance, Rhys Davies and Ben Nicholas also return.