Reconstructive surgery ends Bulldogs Williams' year
Reconstruction the best option after shoulder dislocation against Power
THE WESTERN Bulldogs will send forward Tom Williams for a shoulder reconstruction, ruling him out for the rest of the season.
The unlucky 26-year-old suffered the injury to his right shoulder during last weekend's 11-point win over Port Adelaide in Darwin, and after scans this week, club medical staff decided surgery was the best course of action.
He will go under the knife next week.
It will be the second time Williams has had his right shoulder reconstructed, having suffered the same injury during the 2012 NAB Cup.
The clash with the Power was just his second game of the season, after recovering from a foot injury.
The Queenslander has managed just 78 games in his nine seasons at the Whitten Oval, having also been plagued by serious ankle problems.
Bulldogs CEO Simon Garlick said Williams was determined to come back from yet another setback.
"While it's a disappointing outcome for Tom, we know he will treat his recovery with the professionalism and dedication we have seen from him since he arrived at the club," Garlick said in a statement.
"Tom is a highly valued Western Bulldogs person and we look forward to seeing him ready for the commencement of pre-season training."
Gemma Bastiani delves into stars of the 2024 Telstra AFLW Draft
10:57
The most spectacular marks of 2024
Relive the best marks of the 2024 Toyota AFL Premiership season
01:21
Why McDonald could become AFLW's best key forward
Gemma Bastiani delves into stars of the 2024 Telstra AFLW Draft
00:15
Opening Round QLD | March 6-9
Be part of AFL Opening Round to kick-off the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season in QLD. March 6-9. Brisbane Lions host Geelong at the GABBA and Gold Coast SUNS take on Essendon at People First Stadium.