The Western Bulldogs will nervously await scans for Josh Bruce, with fears the important thing defender might miss an prolonged interval with a critical knee damage.
The 31-year-old, who missed many of the 2022 season after rupturing his left ACL the 12 months earlier than, turned awkwardly and fell to the bottom clutching his proper knee simply after halftime within the Bulldogs’ five-point loss to GWS at Mars Stadium in Ballarat on Saturday.
“The medical staff will give you an update once we’ve done a full assessment after the scan so I’d rather not speculate,” coach Luke Beveridge advised reporters post-game.
The Dogs’ damage woes had been compounded by a concussion to fellow tall defender Alex Keath, who was substituted out within the second quarter.
With Keath having suffered a concussion already in 2023, Beveridge flagged Keath might miss a number of matches.
“If there are any signs that he’s got any issues that keep him out beyond the normal (12-day) period, then our medical staff will look after that,” he mentioned.
“His welfare will be at the front of our thinking and if he needs to miss any more he will.”
While Rory Lobb switched from assault to defence within the second half to bolster the Bulldogs’ tall shares towards the Giants, he is unlikely to play within the backline once more.
“We’re going to need at least one or two to come in and fulfil those roles, but it’d be unlikely that we’d want Rory to play key back,” Beveridge mentioned.
“We’ll want him to resume and assume the role he started with today and form that partnership with Tim (English).”
Liam Jones seems an opportunity to return from an arm damage towards Richmond on Friday evening in an important recreation for the Dogs’ finals hopes.
“We think Liam Jones might be available,” added Beveridge, who additionally flagged James O’Donnell’s doable comeback.
“We’ve got to work out whether or not that happens, but I don’t really want to start speculating about the team.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
