{"id":612925,"date":"2026-04-17T12:55:08","date_gmt":"2026-04-17T12:55:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/612925\/"},"modified":"2026-04-17T12:55:08","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T12:55:08","slug":"massive-concern-after-star-dog-goes-down-clutching-at-knee","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/612925\/","title":{"rendered":"Massive concern after star Dog goes down clutching at knee"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n Sam Darcy has left the field after collapsing on a lead, and is taken straight to the rooms\n <\/p>\n

Sam Darcy during the round six match between Geelong and the Western Bulldogs at GMHBA Stadium, April 17, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos<\/p>\n

THE WESTERN Bulldogs are nervously waiting on further assessment of Sam Darcy’s left knee after the star forward limped off the field early in the clash with Geelong.<\/p>\n

Darcy attempted to change direction in the forward pocket during the second quarter at GMHBA Stadium on Friday night, and immediately fell to the ground holding the knee.<\/p>\n

CATS v BULLDOGS Full match coverage and stats<\/a><\/p>\n

The 22-year-old lay on the turf for a few moments and was helped to his feet by trainers before walking off the ground under his own steam.<\/p>\n

He was taken directly down to the Dogs’ change room for further assessment.<\/p>\n

Almost one year ago to the day, there were fears Darcy had sustained anterior cruciate ligament damage when he hurt the same knee in a win over St Kilda.<\/p>\n

But he avoided the need for surgery and missed only six games with an impaction fracture and associated ligament damage.<\/p>\n

Darcy’s father – 226-game Bulldogs great Luke – suffered two serious knee injuries during his decorated career that sidelined him for most of 2005-06.<\/p>\n

During the half-time break Western Bulldogs general manager of football Matthew Egan said the situation “didn’t look great”, but that the club couldn’t confirm anything.<\/p>\n

Midfielder Tom Liberatore also left the game during the long break, ruled out with concussion.<\/p>\n

Geelong led 12.6 (78) to 3.3 (21) at half-time, compounding the Bulldogs’ pain after a dominant start to the season.<\/p>\n

Cats star Jeremy Cameron has kicked seven goals through the first two quarters.<\/p>\n

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