Western Bulldogs captain Deanna Berry and 2024 Best & Fairest winner Isabelle Pritchard will be sidelined for the start of the 2025 NAB AFLW Season.

Pritchard will miss 4-5 weeks after sustaining a left knee injury, while Berry is expected to miss 6-7 weeks with a left hamstring injury. 

They are expected to return in Round 2 and Round 4 respectively. 

“During training, Pritch entered a contest and her left knee was forced into an awkward position,” Bulldogs AFLW Head Physiotherapist Olivia Dawson said. 

“Scans have confirmed an injury to her left patella. We are following a thorough and carefully managed rehabilitation plan to support her timely and successful return to play.

“De sustained a hamstring injury during a high-speed effort at training, with scans confirming the diagnosis and informing her recovery timeline. 

“While she progresses through her rehabilitation timeline, she remains confident in a successful return-to-play and will continue to lead and support her teammates from the sidelines in her role as captain.”

The Bulldogs’ first test against opposition will come against North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos in a match simulation this Friday evening at Mission Whitten Oval. 

Gates will open at 5pm and the event is free for members and fans to attend. 

 The Club will commence its official weekly Medical Room report next week, in the lead-up to its official practice match against West Coast.