Western Bulldogs Pre-Season Update
Western Bulldogs first-round pick Lachie Carmichael has sustained a syndesmosis injury (ankle sprain) and will be sidelined for five weeks. The 18-year-old was observed in a moon boot on Friday and will have limited participation during the club's pre-season camp in early February. Carmichael had been performing well in the pre-season, building a case for an Opening Round debut.
Sam Darcy demonstrated strong form in a recent match simulation, scoring five goals and taking multiple contested marks. Darcy was part of the All-Australian squad last year despite a knee injury and is set to play in Victoria's AAMI AFL Origin team next month. He underwent a shoulder reconstruction after the previous season.
Aaron Naughton, who also underwent a shoulder reconstruction, performed strongly in the simulation, reportedly ahead of his form last pre-season. Untried teenager Lachie Jaques also featured prominently at half-back in the first-string team, a position open following Jason Johannisen's departure and Joel Freijah's move to a midfield role.
Veteran midfielder Tom Liberatore is recovering from a quad strain and is anticipated to return to full training after the club's return from Queensland. Liberatore played 23 games last year and finished third in the Charles Sutton Medal.
The Bulldogs have scheduled match simulations against Sydney on February 19 at Mission Whitten Oval, followed by a game against Hawthorn at the same venue on February 27 as part of the AAMI Community Series.