Western Bulldogs star Bailey Dale’s season is in doubt after scans confirmed a fracture in his shoulder.
Dale left the field late in Western Bulldogs’ win over the West Coast Eagles on Sunday afternoon at Marvel Stadium.
The dual All Australian fell awkwardly but had been one of the Bulldogs’ best in their narrow escape against the Eagles.
The Bulldogs’ head of medicine Chris Bell said Dale would need “at least the next five weeks” in recovery.
“In the final three minutes of the match, Bailey landed awkwardly in a marking contest, causing an acute injury to his shoulder,” 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.”
Dale will racing against the clock and needing no hiccups to return ahead of the finals series, which begins in six weeks.
The Bulldogs are already embarking on the back third of the season without superstar Sam Darcy after he ruptured in ACL in round 6.
Originally published as AFL 2026: Western Bulldogs star Bailey Dale sidelined with shoulder injury