The Western Bulldogs can confirm that defender Dale Morris has suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Morris hyperextended his left knee during Friday morning’s training session at VU Whitten Oval, with scans later confirming the ACL ligament injury.

It is a devastating blow for the Bulldogs’ veteran on the eve of the 2019 season, after he completed a full pre-season and played a key role in the Club’s two JLT Community Series matches.

The Club will determine the course of action for Morris’ rehabilitation in the coming days.

Morris partially tore the ACL in his opposite (right) knee just before the start of the 2018 season.