WESTERN Bulldogs star Tim English has been ruled out of Friday night’s clash against Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium after suffering delayed concussion symptoms following the win over Greater Western Sydney.
The West Australian developed a headache following a bruising game at Giants Stadium and displayed signs consistent with delayed concussion after returning to Melbourne on Sunday.
English was involved in a dangerous tackle by Braydon Preuss that resulted in a one-match ban for Greater Western Sydney's ruckman.
After returning to Melbourne with the team on Sunday, English displayed signs consistent with delayed concussion and has since entered the protocols.
English won’t face the Hawks this weekend and will work with the club to determine his return to play plan in the coming days, but could miss two games given the Dogs face Brisbane at the Gabba next Thursday night.
The Western Bulldogs are expected to be extra cautious with the 24-year-old given English’s history with concussion, which includes that brutal knee to the jaw from teammate Aaron Naughton last season.
Gun small forward Cody Weightman remains a chance to face Hawthorn after hyperextending and dislocating his elbow against the Giants on the weekend.
Scans on Monday confirmed ligament damage to Weightman’s elbow but ruled out structural damage to the 21-year-old, who kicked five first half goals in Sydney before the incident.
It is understood that the club will give Weightman most of the week to prove his fitness ahead of Friday night.
Veteran defender Taylor Duryea is expected to be sidelined for the next two months after being substituted out of the game against GWS due to a knee injury.
Scans have confirmed a high-grade MCL injury as the club expected, ruling out any damage to Duryea’s ACL.
The Bulldogs are hopeful of regaining the former Hawk in the closing rounds of the home and away season ahead of the finals.
Key forward Josh Bruce passed another major milestone in his recovery from a knee reconstruction by playing managed minutes in the VFL on Friday night.
The 30-year-old played kicked three goals from nine disposals in 85-90 minutes of game time against Carlton’s reserves at Ikon Park.
Bruce is aiming for a full game against Box Hill this weekend before putting his hand up for a senior return in the coming weeks.
