SCANS have confirmed Western Bulldogs utility Toby McLean suffered an ACL injury in Sunday's 36-point win over Hawthorn.

McLean's knee got caught under Hawthorn's Jonathon Ceglar in a tackle early in the first quarter.

>> WATCH THE INCIDENT IN THE PLAYER ABOVE

The premiership Bulldog kicked a goal in the first 30 seconds but was stretchered off just moments after that. 

HAWKS v BULLDOGS Full match coverage and stats

"Scans have today confirmed Toby has sustained an ACL injury," Bulldogs medical services manager Chris Bell said on Monday.

"Toby will return to Melbourne today and have a surgical opinion over the next couple of days to determine the best course of action for him."

ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS

  • 14:18

    Full post-match: Hawks

    Watch Hawthorn's press conference after round 17's match against the Western Bulldogs

    AFL
  • 12:11

    Bevo on McLean: 'We think it's on the serious side'

    Luke Beveridge confirms the club fears the worst for Toby McLean after he was forced to leave the field on a stretcher after injuring his knee

    AFL
  • 00:38

    Jack uses his knack outside the pack

    Hawthorn's Jack Gunston is in the perfect spot after the footy spills out of a congested tackle

    AFL
  • 06:02

    Highlights: Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs

    The Hawks and Dogs go head to head in round 17

    AFL
  • 00:21

    Stunning hanger turns to horrid clanger

    Tim O'Brien takes a fantastic speccy but then inadvertently turns the ball over to Caleb Daniel, who makes him pay full price

    AFL
  • 00:23

    Could this Dog's dangerous tackle be revisited?

    Bailey Smith is penalised for a dangerous tackle on Hawthorn's Harry

    AFL
  • 00:33

    Spin and trick, just perfect from Smith

    Bailey Smith earns a delightful snap goal over his head

    AFL
  • 00:39

    You can't let this Dog off the leash or he'll do this

    Dangerous rebounder Jason Johannisen produces two first-quarter goals after being afforded too much time and space

    AFL
  • 00:50

    Devastating blow as Dog stretchered off

    The Bulldogs have suffered a cruel injury concern with Toby McLean forced to leave the field on a stretcher after hurting his knee in a tackle

    AFL

McLean was coming off one of the better games in his career last week, racking up nine coaches' votes after tagging Andrew Gaff out of the game in the Dogs' shock win over the Eagles.  

The Bulldogs kicked six unanswered goals shortly after McLean was taken off the field, which paved the way for a crucial win. 

"When one of the boys goes down like that there's an emotional coming together," Beveridge said post-match. 

12:11

Bevo on McLean: 'We think it's on the serious side'

Luke Beveridge confirms the club fears the worst for Toby McLean after he was forced to leave the field on a stretcher after injuring his knee

Meanwhile, Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson explained the rebuilding club's decision to sign 37-year-old Shaun Burgoyne for 2021 despite making tough calls to move on club champions Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis and Luke Hodge in previous seasons.

Burgoyne could line up for his 400th game next year, but without clarity on how big lists will be next year the Hawks had to make a choice.  

14:18

Full post-match: Hawks

Watch Hawthorn's press conference after round 17's match against the Western Bulldogs

"It's a little bit risky, that's why we've been calling for the League to let us know what list sizes are, because we've got decisions we need to make on players and we've had to make this decision irrespective of what the AFL come out and tell us with lists," Clarkson said of the Burgoyne re-signing. 

"There's only five players in the game that have ever achieved that feat (400 games), and it would be a special feat, but it can't be the sole reason that it drives the decision-making."
Clarkson said the most significant impact Burgoyne can have in 2021 and beyond is away from the field.

"Probably the Indigenous space in terms of our footy club and the role that he can play for us is the most significant one," he said.

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