Bulldogs forward Cody Weightman is set to undergo knee surgery and will miss the start of the AFL season.

The 24-year-old has the rare congenital condition called bipartite patella, which involves a false joint that sits within his kneecap bone.

Chris Bell, Bulldogs Head of Sports Medicine, said surgery had been deemed the best way to address the issue after a lack of improvement over the pre-season.

“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,” Bell said.

“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.”