Star midfielder Marcus Bontempelli remains a chance to face St Kilda this weekend.
The Bulldogs’ vice-captain had his ankle caught under a tackle early in Sunday’s narrow win against Melbourne, with scans post-game revealing he had damaged a ligament in his ankle.
But he is optimistic he might be fit to take on the Saints at Marvel Stadium, in what looms as an important game for the Bulldogs’ season.
“That’s the hope, that’s the plan initially,” Bontempelli told media at VU Whitten Oval on Monday afternoon.
“It’s always hard to tell, it’s only been a couple of days so I’m obviously in the boot, which makes it look a bit worse than it is.
“It’s been a little bit sore the last couple of days which was to be expected out of the game.
“But hopefully, if it can improve in the next couple of days it’ll hopefully progress pretty quickly and we can re-assess.
“Friday will probably be the day we have a look at running and training, and we’ll know a bit more then.”
Bontempelli returned from the injury after half-time against the Dees, to play an important role in the eight-point win.
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He said the Bulldogs were expected a tough challenge against the Saints this week, and couldn’t afford to think too far ahead after four wins in their past five matches.
“We’ve obviously been pretty invested in our past month of football, and there’s been some really good growth from our perspective,” Bontempelli said.
“It’s a week-to-week look, it always sort of is that way – especially once you get to the pointier end of the year.
“We’re just focused on each week and bringing our best football, and hopefully like it has been the last couple of weeks that stacks up.”
