After starting 2022 winless, the Western Bulldogs are now sweating on star forward Aaron Naughton's calf after the 22-year-old suffered a deep cork during the third quarter of their 12-point loss to Carlton last Thursday.
Hobbling off the ground, Naughton suffered bleeding in the calf, yet, the Bulldogs are confident their high-flying forward will beat his race against the clock for their crucial clash against an in-form Swans outfit.
Naughton did some light running on Monday, with Bulldogs conditioning coach Chris Bell stating they will assess tall-forward for the next 24-hours.
Since 2010, only three teams have made the finals after starting the season 0-3; Carlton in 2013, Sydney in 2017 and Greater Western Sydney last year.
In better news for the Bulldogs, 21-year-old star Bailey Smith will return for Thursday night's clash.
Smith, who suffered hip soreness, was influential in the Bulldog's Round 1 grand final rematch against the Demons with 33 possessions, 11 tackles, and eight clearances.
Bulldogs doctors are still running tests on defender Hayden Crozier after he fainted in the rooms at half-time on Thursday.
READ MORE: Crozier "feeling great" after "freak incident"
Club doctors are certain he still remains a chance to take on Sydney at Marvel Stadium.
The Bulldogs will attempt to reinvigorate their 2022 season against the undefeated Swansย at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night.
