Western Bulldogs forward Rhylee West has been slapped with a one-game suspension following a bump on Fremantle's Brandon Walker during the second term of Saturday's clash, with the club not challenging the ban.
West - who's in career-best form - can be seen passing the ball and electing to bump Walker, making contact with his shoulder to the Docker's chin.
The Western Bulldogs will not challenge Rhylee West's one game rough conduct suspension from the MRO.
He will miss Sunday's match v Hawthorn. @FootyonNine @9NewsMelb
— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) April 29, 2024
The Match Review Officer (MRO) Michael Christian graded the incident as careless conduct, medium impact and high contact, constituting a week off from football.
According toย Channel 9's Tom Morris, the Bulldogs have accepted the one-match suspension.
The Rhylee West incident.
Careless conduct. High contact.
It all hinges on whether impact is low or medium.
Low = fine. Medium = one week
Walker underwent a concussion test, but played out the game.
Itโs also my understanding that Rhylee is a top, top bloke.#MightyWest pic.twitter.com/VVzNux7z10
— Matthew Donald (@MattDonald22) April 28, 2024
The son-of-a-gun will miss the Round 8 clash with Hawthorn.
Luke Beveridge will not have the luxury of identifying any strong performers in the VFL given the reserves side had a bye over the weekend.
The Western Bulldogs coach will be forced into at least two changes as fellow small forward Cody Weightman re-injured his left elbow and was subbed out of the game.
Beveridge was stunned that Weightman was unable to continue playing given his toughness, suggesting it must've been a serious injury.
Western Bulldogs livewire Cody Weightman faces a nervous 24 hours that will determine his season.
The Dogs star could be headed for surgery, after a nasty elbow injury last night. https://t.co/5zYfOfGqUb @cleary_mitch #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/CSShPTGg6X
— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) April 28, 2024
"Cody, it's that elbow again," Beveridge said after the loss.
"I don't know whether he'll need to have something done with that.
"Ultimately, we hope he's okay but we he'll need to have it looked at again. We'll need to take the long-term approach with him.
"Not that our staff haven't but he's such a tough bugger, 'Flea', and he stays on the ground after these injuries.
"So it was a surprise that he couldn't get going."
SEN's Sam Edmund revealed that the Bulldogs have gone down the surgery path with Weightman, ruling him out for at least 6 weeks.
Cody Weightman will undergo surgery on his left elbow and is set to miss at least six weeks in a blow for the Western Bulldogs. But a second dislocation inside a month and a third in two years has forced the club's hand. More to come from 2pm on @DwaynesWorldSEN
— Sam Edmund (@Sammy__Edmund) April 29, 2024
The club is hopeful Tom Liberatore and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan will return for the Round 8 clash with Hawthorn.
