WESTERN Bulldogs skipper Katie Brennan has had ankle surgery, and will likely miss the majority of the VFLW season.

Brennan went under the knife on Friday to repair ligament damage in her right ankle, after suffering the injury against Adelaide in round three of the AFLW season.

After missing a month of football, she managed to return in the final round of the AFLW home and away season, but appeared to be hindered.

She then missed the Bulldogs' first ever AFLW flag through suspension.

The Bulldogs are hopeful their captain will return fully fit in season 2019.

The 25-year-old has had a bad run on the injury front, with quad and ankle injuries limiting her 2017 AFLW season.