The Western Bulldogs will be without yet another star to begin their season, while Richmond has revealed the latest on No.1 pick Sam Lalor.
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Livewire Dogs forward Cody Weightman will miss the first half of the season as he undergoes knee surgery.
The 24-year-old goalsneak will miss at least the next three months of footy. He played in Saturday’s match simulation against Essendon.
According to the Bulldogs, Weightman has a rare congenital condition called bipartite patella, which involves a false joint that sits within his kneecap bone. The club has ultimately determined surgery is the optimal way to address the issue.
“This injury has not caused Cody any concerns across his career until he received some direct impact on it during a pre-season training session,” Bulldogs Head of Sports Medicine Chris Bell said in a Monday club statement.
“Conservative management has failed to improve Cody’s symptoms, meaning surgery has become the best option.
“With this being a very rare presentation, the club has consulted multiple specialist opinions, with the decision to surgically stabilise the joint within the kneecap the most viable option that will see Cody return to football in the second half of season 2025.
“A return to play plan will be finalised in coming weeks, with Cody set to miss the next three months.”
The 76-gamer booted 27 goals from 17 matches last season, having also juggled groin and elbow ailments.
Weightman joins fellow walk-up starters Adam Treloar (calf) and Liam Jones (hamstring) on the sidelines, while Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (personal) remains without a timeline for return. Veteran Jason Johannisen (hamstring) is also currently out of action.
In Western Australia, the big story on Monday was the collision involving No.1 pick Sam Lalor, who copped the worst of a brutal marking contest in which he appeared to be shoved under the ball by West Coast’s Reuben Ginbey.
The incident occurred with just seconds remaining in the hitout, with the Tigers falling by 36 points in their three-period clash with the Eagles.
The exciting talent, who booted a team-high two goals against West Coast, has officially entered the league’s concussion protocols.
“Richmond can confirm that first-year midfielder/forward Sam Lalor has entered the concussion protocols,” the Tigers shared via X after the game.
“Lalor will be unavailable for next Wednesday’s Charity Shield clash against Collingwood at Ikon Park.”
Richmond development boss Sam Lonergan gave a brief update on Lalor’s condition post-match.
“He’s got a bit of a sore jaw at the moment,” Lonergan told media in WA.
“I suspect that he’ll be ready (for Round 1) regardless – we’ll just have to wait and see what happens.
“We need to manage his load and work out what he’s capable of doing.”
The 18-year-old was arguably Richmond’s brightest spark on the day as the side’s only multiple goalkicker, imposing himself as a dangerous forward-50 target.
“There is possibly a bad injury here (with) Lalor under the pack — that’s not what the Tigers want,” Fox Footy caller Adam Papalia said in immediate reaction.
“That’s heart-in-mouth stuff for Richmond fans … The biggest story here is that Sam Lalor has now gone off the field after that nasty collision in that marking contest.”
Former West Coast defender Will Schofield: “That’s the last possible thing (anyone) wants. We’re hoping that’s not going to be a lot of time out of the game.”
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