WESTERN Bulldogs defender Tom Williams is remaining positive despite the prospect of surgery on the broken foot that ended his season.

The Dogs confirmed on Tuesday the 25-year-old was likely to have an operation to stabilise his right foot and would not play again in 2011.

Williams was present at the Dogs' training on Wednesday but didn't participate, and despite the likelihood of surgery, backline coach Peter Dean said there was still a faint hope he would avoid the surgeon's knife.

"He's got a foot injury that's still being assessed and he faces possible surgery in the next week or so," Dean said.

"We're hoping it doesn't happen that way so touch wood."

Williams also needs a shoulder tightened, and Dean said that operation would take place "in conjunction" with any surgery on his foot.

The former rugby union player carried navicular issues in his other foot over the first two years of his career, and has had problems with soft-tissue complaints and his shoulders since his 2007 debut.

Dean said the 73-game player was positive despite his latest setback.

"As Dale Morris said the other day, when Tommy is up and going well he seems to cop a bit of an injury and he has this time," he said.

"He's super positive and he's been good this year - the last two years."

Williams is expected to be able to resume running six to eight weeks after the operation.

Jennifer Witham covers Western Bulldogs news for the AFL website. Follow her on Twitter at AFL_JenWitham