Western Bulldogs forward Brooke Lochland has undergone surgery to repair a fractured fibula, but could return for the latter stages of the 2019 AFLW season.

Scans earlier this week confirmed that Lochland sustained the leg injury during the second quarter of Saturday’s practice match against Collingwood at Mars Stadium in Ballarat.

She is now expecting a 6-8-week recovery period.

“We’re really hopeful that Brooke can return to full fitness before the end of the AFLW season,” Bulldogs’ AFLW coach Paul Groves said.

“It’s disappointing for Brooke because she’s done a mountain of work this pre-season, but we’ll work through her rehab requirements and aim to have her back out there as soon as possible.”

Lochland booted 12 goals from eight games in the 2018 season, averaging 12 disposals and three tackles per match.