AFL: Western Bulldogs to miss in-form ruckman Tim English for up to three weeks because of hamstring injury
Tim English is amid the best start to any of his AFL seasons but a hamstring injury will sideline him just when the Bulldogs need him.
AFL
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In-demand Western Bulldogs ruckman Tim English’s career-best campaign is on hold, with a hamstring injury sustained at training this week set to sideline him for as many as three matches.
The 24-year-old was a surprise out when the Bulldogs released their team on Thursday night, and the club’s head of sports medicine, Chris Bell, has revealed the extent of his damage.
“On Wednesday at training, Tim English had the onset of some hamstring tightness,” Bell said.
“MRI and clinical tests have confirmed that he has a low-grade hamstring injury. The club is working through his return-to-play plan but expect Tim to miss the next 2-3 games.”
Veteran big man Stefan Martin returns to the side in English’s absence for the clash with a resurgent Adelaide and its burly ruckman Reilly O’Brien, while Jordon Sweet is also waiting in the wings for future weeks.
But Martin and co. have a big task to go anywhere near making up for English’s contributions this year.
English leads all ruckmen in disposals, marks, marks inside 50, uncontested possessions, total clearances (equal with Brodie Grundy), stoppage clearances (equal with Max Gawn) and score involvements.
That’s despite him already going up against Gawn, Carlton’s Marc Pittonet, Swan Tom Hickey, Richmond’s Toby Nankervis and Kangaroos duo Todd Goldstein and Tristan Xerri.
English is out of contract at season’s end and his Western Australian roots make him a perfect trade target for an Eagles side pondering life after soon-to-be-32-year-old Nic Naitanui.
Fremantle has no interest, given it boasts Sean Darcy and an excellent back-up in Lloyd Meek, but the Dogs would love to retain English after spending a first-round pick on him and developing him for six years.
Originally published as AFL: Western Bulldogs to miss in-form ruckman Tim English for up to three weeks because of hamstring injury
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