Bulldogs star Aaron Naughton was stretchered off at Marvel Stadium after a sickening collision against the Swans in their round seven clash.
Colliding with Will Edwards from the Swans, the forward was knocked onto his head and immediately driven off by the medicab for further tests.
Naughton was able to give a thumbs up to the cheering crowd, but on the anniversary of their historic 2016 premiership, the Western Bulldogs are on their knees due to their injury list.
READ MORE: Coach muzzled as $750k star’s career ‘hangs by a thread’
READ MORE: Gould’s plea to Dragons after ‘big call’ on rookie star
READ MORE: ‘There were a few’: Turbo’s raw admission after latest injury blow
“It been a wretched run for the Bulldogs in the last three weeks,” Matt Hill said on the Fox Sports commentary.
Aaron Naughton. Â Fox Footy
During the match, the Bulldogs confirmed Naughton would be out for the match but provided good news.
“Initial examination makes us optimistic that Aaron has avoided serious injuries,” the club said.
“He will be re-assessed over the coming days.”
Naughton gave a thumbs up to the crowd. Â Fox
A beaten-down Western Bulldogs side well and truly lit up Marvel Stadium in the first moments of the game, surprising a far superior Sydney team from the first bounce.
A heavily-strapped Marcus Bontempelli was a late addition to the Dogs and in the first six minutes – Naughton, Will Lewis and Josh Dolan all nailed shots to hand the Bulldogs a 17 point lead.
But the Sydney Swans didn’t lie down, instead mounting a fight with Charlie Curnow and Joel Amartey leading.
They both quickly kicked seven goals between them, all the Swans goals before half time to walk their team back down to the locker rooms ahead 7.10 (52) to 6.3 (39) at the main break.
The Swans’ dominance continued into the second half, finishing 18.18 (126) – 9.6 (60). Curnow was the star, kicking seven goals for the match.