Gun defender sidelined in blow to Dogs’ finals bid
Shayne Hope |
The Western Bulldogs could be without star defender Bailey Dale for the rest of the AFL home-and-away season because of a fractured shoulder.
In a blow to their top-six hopes, and with just six rounds remaining before finals, the Bulldogs are bracing for Dale to be sidelined for at least the next five weeks.
The All-Australian half-back was hurt during the dying stages of the Dogs’ hard-fought win over West Coast last Sunday.
“In the final three minutes of the match, Bailey landed awkwardly in a marking contest, causing an acute injury to his shoulder,” Bulldogs head of sports medicine Chris Bell said.
“Scans have confirmed that he has a minor fracture that was caused by the injury mechanism.
“Having consulted specialists, Bailey will not require surgical management for this injury, however, a conservative approach will be taken to allow the fracture to heal.
“Bailey will miss at least the next five weeks of football.”
Creative and hard-running, Dale has twice won All-Australian blazers – in 2021 and 2025.
The 29-year-old had played every game for the Bulldogs to this point of the season, averaging 26.9 disposals.
He is second only to Sydney’s Nick Blakey for number of rebounds out of his team’s defensive 50m zone, averaging 6.4 per game.
The Dogs (10-7) sit seventh ahead of a huge clash with Gold Coast (7-10) at People First Stadium on Sunday.
AAP