Veteran defender Dale Morris will undergo an ACL reconstruction on his left knee.

Morris reinjured the knee in Sunday’s win against Fremantle at Marvel Stadium, coming from the field in the third quarter and not returning. 

The 36-year-old sustained an ACL injury during the pre-season, with Morris and the Club opting against surgery to repair the injury in a bid to see him return to the field in 2019.

It was the second year running – albeit to different knees – that Morris injured an ACL during pre-season.

He returned at AFL level in round 11 last year and played 11 matches for the season.

This year, Morris played four successful matches at VFL level, before reinjuring his knee in his AFL return. 

Scans today have confirmed the severity of the injury.

“Dale will undergo a conventional ACL reconstruction today,” medical services manager Chris Bell said. 

“Although he passed every test, ticked every box in rehab and returned to play a month of VFL football, unfortunately Dale’s knee was unable to withstand the high demands of AFL football.” 

In positive news, the Bulldogs could have some selection headaches this week with multiple players set to return from injury.

Toby McLean (hamstring) and Matt Suckling (back) both trained fully over the weekend and will be available for selection – alongside key forward Josh Schache (concussion) – if they get through training this week. 

After a bye at VFL level, Ben Cavarra (shoulder), Lukas Webb (ankle) and Laitham Vandermeer (calf) are also in the frame to return to play this week provided they get through training.

* Injury list updated on Monday 29 July, 2019