Matt Suckling will be monitored ahead of the Western Bulldogs’ round two clash, after sustaining an ankle injury in Saturday night’s win against the Sydney Swans.

The 30-year-old left the field in the first quarter, but returned to play out the game, collecting 22 disposals to play an important role in the match.

“He had an episode where he damaged the ligaments in the outside part of his ankle,” Medical Services Manager Chris Bell said.

“He did have to come off and require some management, but he got through the game and he pulled up pretty well following the game.

WHAT THEY SAID: ROUND 1

“We’re going to work through a process with Matt this week to determine his availability.”

In positive news, the Bulldogs have a number of players pushing to be available this weekend.

Ben Cavarra (quad), Bailey Dale (ankle) and Laitham Vandermeer (hamstring) are back into full training, while Lukas Webb is ticking the final boxes as he comes back from a neck injury.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: ROUND 1

Midfielder Lin Jong is also making good progress from the hamstring injury he sustained late in the pre-season.

“In the next week or so, we’re going to start to turn the heat up and get him running a little bit quicker and start to integrate him back into some footy,” Bell said.

“We hope to get him back into training in the next fortnight, and then make a decision around his return to play plan.”

PlayerInjury Duration 
Matt Sucklingankletest
Ben Cavarraquadtest
Bailey Daleankletest
Lukas Webbnecktest
Laitham Vandermeerhamstringtest
Jason Johannisenankle2-4 weeks
Lin Jonghamstring3-5 weeks
Buku Khamisknee3-5 weeks
Tom Boydback3-5 weeks
Dale Morriskneeindefinite
Liam Pickenconcussionindefinite

* Injury list updated on Monday 25 March, 2019