WESTERN Bulldogs defender Dale Morris is expecting to miss around 12 weeks with the partially torn ACL he suffered at training last week.

The 35-year-old sustained the injury in a handball drill last Thursday, and while he will avoid surgery, a lengthy stint in the rehab group awaits him.

The 190cm backman's ability to play on both talls and smalls means he remains an important part of the Bulldogs' defence. 

Morris told westernbulldogs.com.au he's determined to build on his 241 games in the red, white and blue.

"I went to turn one way, went the other and heard a pop and click in the knee and felt like not much at all, but it turns out there was a bit going on in there," he said.

"I went in to see (the club doctors) and got informed of the partial ACL tear, which was a bit full-on to hear.

"It turns out I was unlucky to get the injury, but lucky it was only a partial (tear).

"It looks like it will be a 12-week stint on the sidelines, (and) in a brace for a couple of weeks, which is not comfortable.

"It's one of those things, it could be more, it could be less." 

Morris' latest injury layoff comes off the back of a broken leg and arm last season. He also played in the club's 2016 Grand Final win over Sydney with a fractured back. 

The consummate clubman, Morris will continue to mentor the Dogs' young defenders during his time on the sidelines.

The former rookie is due to come out of contract at the end of 2018 and has played on a year-to-year basis for several seasons.