The Western Bulldogs could have dodged an ACL bullet after key ahead Aaron Naughton was damage of their AFL loss to Sydney.
While Naughton will miss at the least just a few weeks, the Bulldogs hope scans on Friday will present he hasn’t suffered a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament rupture in his proper knee.
The Bulldogs have been courageous in opposition to the highest aspect on Thursday night time at Marvel Stadium, rallying from 5 objectives down early within the final quarter to solely lose 102-88.
That was regardless of shedding Anthony Scott and Ed Richards to concussion, in addition to Naughton’s knee damage.
Scott and Richards will certainly miss subsequent Friday night time’s recreation in opposition to Collingwood below the 12-day concussion protocol.
Coach Luke Beveridge was cautiously optimistic about Naughton.
“The indications are that hopefully it’s not as extreme as an (ACL), but you never can tell … fingers crossed,” he stated.
Scott’s first AFL recreation this season lasted simply three minutes earlier than he was compelled off due to a head conflict.
Richards was the Bulldogs’ greatest participant within the first half and his concussion early within the third time period was a giant blow.
Like teammate Tom Liberatore, who may return within the subsequent couple of weeks from his newest concussion, Scott and Richards have a historical past of head knocks.
Beveridge praised his group for his or her battle in opposition to the ladder-leading Swans, whereas lamenting their incapacity to nail extra probabilities.
The Bulldogs kicked an inaccurate 12.16 to Sydney’s 16.6 after spraying 8.22 in final week’s win over GWS.
“There was great integrity in what the boys did, obviously against the top side. It’s just a shame we had a bit of bad luck.
“You by no means lose and really feel like a winner, however in my books, our gamers are winners tonight.
“System and game style looked pretty good. We just made some monumental blues and missed some monumental chances to give ourselves any real chance to win.
“So what do you’re taking out of that? We’ll be inspired by that, however we have to do one thing with it as properly.”
Beveridge did not bite when asked about the critical and contentious 50m penalty paid against Latham Vandermeer.
It gifted the goal to Hayden McLean late in the last term that sealed the Sydney win.
“What are you able to say? I’ll at all times ensure that I do not touch upon the umpiring,” a frustrated Beveridge said post-match.
“Whether it is there or not, I do not actually know. Ultimately the choice was made and we have now to stay with it.”
Beveridge praised young players Rhylee West, Riley Garcia and Ryley Sanders, who were dynamic in the midfield when the Bulldogs needed a final-term lift.
The Bulldogs coach referred to Melbourne independent broadcasting to describe the trio.
“It was like a Triple R radio station in there …(plus) the skilled one in Adam Treloar, holding his find yourself.
“They did an enormous job.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
