Scans have revealed that Bulldogs skipper Marcus Bontempelli has sustained a complex calf injury following yesterday’s match against Hawthorn.

The 29-year-old came off the field during the first quarter of last night’s AAMI Community Series match due to tightness, with scans today revealing the extent of the damage.

“While the Club was optimistic of a positive result overnight, scans have revealed a complex injury with tendon involvement,” Chris Bell, Bulldogs Head of Sports Medicine, said.

“Unfortunately, the structures involved with this particular injury are prone to having recurrent issues so we will need to follow a conservative management timeline to give Marcus the best chance of a successful season.”

Bontempelli is expected to miss at least the next six weeks, with a return-to-play plan to be finalised in coming days.