THE WESTERN Bulldogs have lost a third player to a serious knee injury in 2015, with rookie Roarke Smith the latest victim.
The 19-year-old, who was made his debut in the round 21 loss to West Coast, ruptured his ACL in his left knee during Footscray's win over Werribee on Sunday.
The athletic defender will join Tom Liberatore and the luckless Clay Smith to undergo the procedure this season.
“We had him assessed today, further assessment (confirms) he has ruptured his ACL so he’ll be getting a traditional knee reconstruction,” Bulldogs football manager Graham Lowe said on Monday.
“We’ll put everything we can around him to support him and make sure we get him right as quickly as we can.
“Roarke’s a good young fellow and he’s certainly showed his wares through the opportunity to play last week so we’ll make sure we get everything right, he’s certainly coping with it really well."
In better news, the Bulldogs got through Saturday's win over North Melbourne with no major concerns and have several players in frame to return this weekend.
Ruckman Tom Campbell has recovered from a corked thigh and will be available for Saturday's clash with the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba.
Defender Michael Talia and midfielder Nathan Hrovat both missed last weekend with ankle injuries and face fitness tests later in the week.
