Western Bulldogs have a fresh injury concern with superstar captain Marcus Bontempelli lasting just 11 minutes into Thursday evening’s practice match.
Bontempelli was forced off the field with a calf issue and immediately went down the race.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Bontempelli injured in pre-season clash.
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He was then quickly ruled out of the remainder of the match. against Hawthorn.
The club said he was withdrawn due to “low level calf tightness”.
Bontempelli eased fans concern by telling boundary rider Cameron Mooney that “he’ll be right”, but it’s still a worrying concern.
The Bulldogs’ first match of the AFL season is against North Melbourne on March 15 so the superstar has over two weeks to recover.
But it’s another headache to a growing injury list. Adam Treloar, Liam Jones, Jason Johannisen and Cody Weightman have already been ruled out of Round 1, while Ed Richards and Bailey Dale are racing the clock.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan will also miss due to personal issues.
Despite Bontempelli’s absence and their lengthy casualty list, the Bulldogs made a bright start and led by 22 points at half-time.
Mature-age recruit Sam Davidson, taken with pick 51 in last year’s draft, was impressive early as he pressed his claims for a round-one AFL debut.
Davidson, 23, has one year left to complete his medical degree.
He had racked up a game-high 23 disposals and kicked a goal.
Defender and star recruit Tom Barrass was playing his first game for the Hawks.
– With AAP
Ben Sutton
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