Bulldogs utility Anthony Scott has suffered a kneecap subluxation during the club's match simulation on Wednesday, sidelining the 29-year-old for at least the next five weeks.
It is a frustrating setback for the utility after a 2024 season plagued by injury held Scott to just two senior appearances.
According to AFL.com.au's Josh Gabelich, the 59-gamer now faces a race against the clock to be fit in time for the Bulldogs' Round 1 match against North Melbourne just seven weeks away.
Meanwhile, train-on player Dom Brew has resumed fighting for an SSP selection after recovering from a quad injury suffered in his first week at the club, rejoining main training full-time this week.
The 27-year-old Werribee star won the VFL's J.J. Liston Medal last year and was central to the Tigers' premiership-winning season.
The VFL weapon has been making his case for an AFL lifeline for years, and with the departure of Jack Macrae, Caleb Daniel and Bailey Smith, the Dogs could sign Brew through the Supplemental Selection Period to bolster their midfield stocks.
He would join an array of midfield talent including Marcus Bontempelli, Adam Treloar and Tom Liberatore.
Brew has approximately one month left to put his best foot forward for the Dogs' final listt spot, with the SSP window closing on February 21st.