Western Bulldogs stalwart Dale Morris has been placed on the long-term injury list after suffering a set-back in his rehabilitation of a broken leg.

The Club and Morris are hopeful of a return later on this season.

The Whitten Oval favourite sustained a stress fracture to his right fibula in May and will require at least a further eight weeks of rehabilitation before he returns to football.

View Dale Morris' Player Profile.

The All-Australian defender is optimistic of a return to football this season and said that his set-back will provide an opportunity for another Bulldog over the next eight weeks.

“I will continue my rehab program with the intent of playing football this season,” Morris said.

“I was very grateful to receive an opportunity to come off the rookie list back in 2005, and now one of our rookies will get that chance, which is a huge positive for the individual and the Club.”

Mature-aged ruckman Tom Campbell has subsequently been elevated to the primary list.

View the Western Bulldogs' Injury List.