MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 03: Bulldogs head coach Luke Beveridge (C) speaks to his players during a Western Bulldogs AFL training session at Marvel Stadium on August 03, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
Chris Bell, the Bulldogs’ Head of Sports Medicine, explained, “In the late stages of the fourth quarter, Alex pushed himself into a contest and stretched too far in an attempt to spoil the play. This action resulted in a moderate hamstring injury, and we anticipate Alex will be out for the next 5-7 weeks.”
Meanwhile, Luke Cleary and Jordan Croft have both been placed in concussion protocols following separate incidents during the VFL matches.
“Unfortunately, both Luke and Jordan sustained concussions during our recent VFL game,” Bell stated. “As a result, they will be unavailable for the upcoming match leading into the bye round. Over the next two weeks, we will assess their readiness for the Round 16 AFL match.”
On a brighter note, Ed Richards and Cody Weightman are set to undergo testing during training this week.
Regarding Richards, who had a concussion, Bell mentioned, “Ed didn’t meet all the criteria in our return-to-play protocol after his concussion. However, we’re hopeful that he will participate in full training tomorrow and be ready for availability this week.”
As for Weightman, who has been recovering from an elbow reconstruction, Bell expressed admiration for his dedication to rehabilitation. “Cody has shown exceptional professionalism in his recovery from elbow surgery. His progress has impressed his surgeon, who cleared him for full-contact training last week. We will assess his availability throughout this week.”
