Injury Woes Continue for Dogs, but Young Talent Shines in Intraclub

Bulldogs defender sidelined for months | 00:37

The Western Bulldogs’ troubled pre-season has continued with star defender Liam Jones feared to be joining Adam Treloar on the sidelines.

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Jones injured his hamstring during Sunday’s intraclub hitout in Maroochydore, leaving the game after a last quarter marking contest, walking around the boundary with a concerned look on his face according to AFL Media.

The 33-year-old is underdoing scans and could miss the start of the season if the injury is severe enough. The Bulldogs’ first game is just under seven weeks away.

It comes after Treloar suffered an acute muscle strain in his calf last week at training, with the 31-year-old needing two months of rehab and set to miss at least the first three rounds.

“Appreciating the continuity and significant amount of pre-season training that is required to support durability and performance across an AFL season, we will need to be conservative with Adam’s rehabilitation and reconditioning timeline,” Bulldogs Head of Sports Medicine Chris Bell said in a club statement.

However 2023 first-round pick Ryley Sanders is firming for a spot in the Bulldogs’ Round 1 midfield after a stellar performance in the intraclub clash.

Sanders had over 30 disposals and kicked three goals after slimming down across the off-season.

Mature-aged recruit Sam Davidson is pushing for a Round 1 debut after kicking three goals, switching between roles on the wing and as a third tall inside 50.

Davidson was the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell medallist as the best young player in the VFL while playing for Richmond in 2024.

Fellow VFL standouts Brayden Crossley, previously at Gold Coast and now a star ruck at Southport, and Werribee skipper Dom Brew both had their moments as they push for a pre-season supplemental selection period pick-up.

Treloar’s setback comes after multiple soft tissue setbacks in his calf since the end of last year’s season.

The ball magnet earned himself a maiden All-Australian blazer in 2024, after playing 23 games and averaging a tick over 31.5 disposals a match. His efforts saw him finish seventh in the Brownlow Medal count with 26 votes; a number that would have won him tie for the award in 2012 and 2014.

Treloar joined superstar teammate Tim English and Norm Smith medallist Jason Johannisen on the sidelines, with the former recovering from an abdominal injury. Johannisen suffered a hamstring injury at training only days ago, and isn’t expected to be available for selection for two to three months.

Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is currently on a modified training program, as he deals with personal issues away from the club.

All-Australian ruckman Tim English is currently recovering from an abdominal injury and missed Sunday’s intra-club in Maroochydore.