2016 Norm Smith medallist Jason Johannisen will miss the start of the 2025 AFL season after suffering a hamstring injury at training on Wednesday.
Johannisen limped from the training track during the Bulldogs' pre-season match simulation training block, and was sent away from the club to consult with specialists.
The 32-year-old will undergo a minor surgical procedure to ensure a full recovery, however it will mean an extended stint on the sidelines, with the premiership Bulldog expected to return to training in approximately three months.
The strain means Johannisen will not be fit for the Bulldogs' practice matches prior to the season, and could miss as many as eight weeks of the home and away season, should his recovery timeline be accurate.
Johannisen has become regularly impacted by soft tissue injuries in his career, not seen after Round 9 last year due to another moderate-grade hamstring strain, while a hamstring tendon injury in 2023 limited the dashing defender to just 11 appearances.
The Bulldog's injury adds to the pile of growing injury lists in AFL club land, with multiple clubs reporting soft tissue concerns to their players since the long weekend break.
Teammate Tim English suffered an injury scare with a knock to the abdominal area and is on a modified program until symptoms improve.
Essendon defender Jordan Ridley suffered a hamstring setback this week, as did Richmond draftee Josh Smillie and North Melbourne youngster George Wardlaw.
St Kilda's rising talent Mattaes Phillipou fell victim to a stress fracture that will sideline him for approximately three months, while ruckman Rowan Marshall is in a race for Round 1.
Eagle Elliot Yeo's timeline is around one to two months, after recording damage to his MCL.
The Bulldogs begin their season with a clash against North Melbourne on Saturday, March 15.