The Western Bulldogs have suffered an injury blow with defender Bailey Williams to undergo surgery on a fractured collarbone
The ladder-leading Western Bulldogs have suffered an injury blow with a defender to miss up to four weeks after surgery.
Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Ladder-leading Western Bulldogs have been dealt an injury blow with defender Bailey Williams to undergo surgery on a fractured collarbone, which is set to sideline him for up to four weeks.
Scans confirmed the Bulldogs’ fears Williams had suffered a crack in his collarbone in the team’s win over the Gold Coast Suns on Saturday at Marvel Stadium.
He was sent in for an operation on Monday to repair the injury and the Bulldogs said he was expected to miss between two-four weeks.
Williams was subbed out of the game at three-quarter time with the injury against the Suns, which continued the Bulldogs’ unbeaten start to the season.
“In the third quarter, Bailey came to the bench after a heavy hit to his collarbone,” Western Bulldogs head of sports medicine Chris Bell said.
“Scans have confirmed that he did fracture his collarbone and that required surgery today.
“In the next couple of days, we’ll confirm his plan, but expect him to miss the next two-to-four weeks.”
MORE AFL
How Dees defied critics to become genuine flag threat
The Tackle: Bucks deserves credit for long-term focus
SuperCoach trade guide: When to target fallen premiums
The 23-year-old, who recently signed a two-year contract extension, played every game for the Bulldogs last season and has become an important part of the club’s defensive group.
Williams’ fracture follows significant AC joint injuries this year to fellow defenders Hayden Crozier, who returned against the Suns, and Ryan Gardner, who remains sidelined.
The top-of-the-ladder Bulldogs face recent foes Greater Western Sydney at Manuka Oval on Friday night.
ENDS
Milestone men welcome ‘wake-up call’
Having been drafted together, Brisbane Lions pair Cam Rayner and Zac Bailey will fittingly celebrate 150 AFL appearances in the same match.
AFL makes big call on Dogs v Crows in Ballarat
The Western Bulldogs have moved their Round 18 game from Ballarat to Marvel Stadium, citing the limited capacity of the ground while it undergoes redevelopment.