AFL 2024: Tim English to return to Western Bulldogs training

The Western Bulldogs have moved to clarify why star ruckman Tim English has been missing from pre-season training.

Tim English will return to Western Bulldogs training this week after being cautiously managed due to headaches similar to concussion symptoms. Picture: Daniel Pockett / Getty Images

Western Bulldogs star Tim English will return to full training after it was found health issues which had disrupted his pre-season were not linked to concussion.

The All-Australian ruckman has been absent from contact drills since the Bulldogs resumed their pre-season training this month due to what the club said was a “medical issue”.

The club said in a statement Monday that English had been kept out of the drills after suffering “migraine-related symptoms”, but he would begin to re-enter full training this week after it was ruled the symptoms were not the effects of a concussion.

“The Western Bulldogs confirm that Tim English suffered some migraine-related symptoms in the weeks prior to the Christmas break,” the statement read.

“As he has suffered concussion in the past, the club wanted to be thorough and diligent in Tim’s management and engaged medical specialists.

Tim English will return to full training over the next week after the Western Bulldogs ruled concussion was not behind his health issues this summer. Picture: Morgan Hancock / Getty Images

“Specialists confirmed that Tim’s symptoms were not related to concussion and more consistent with a migraine.

“Tim’s migraine symptoms have now fully resolved and he will progress back into full training over the next week.”

English, 26, missed a month of football with lingering concussion symptoms during the 2021 season, and missed two more matches midway through the 2022 season after experiencing delayed symptoms following a match.

His clearance to return to full training will be important for the Bulldogs, who only have Rory Lobb to turn to as a recognised ruck with senior experience after trading Jordon Sweet to Port Adelaide.

Developing key position prospect Sam Darcy (205cm) or 2023 third-round pick Lachlan Smith (203m) are the only back-up options for English and Lobb.

Originally published as AFL 2024: Tim English to return to Western Bulldogs training