Young midfielder Nathan Hrovat will be closely monitored in the coming weeks, after suffering a rib injury in Saturday’s NAB Challenge victory over Richmond.

Hrovat was subbed out of the match at half time, after taking a knock to his ribs in a first quarter marking contest.

The 20-year-old was taken to hospital for precautionary reasons, but was released the following morning.

Bulldogs General Manager of Football Graham Lowe said the midfielder will be carefully returned back to full contact training.

“Nathan sustained a rib injury during the game and we need to make sure that we manage that appropriately, so we’re going to manage his contact through to about NAB 3 and then we’ll reassess him at that point and determine when he’s available to come back fully into playing and training.”

Lowe said Tom Liberatore would undergo a traditional reconstruction this week after suffering a torn ACL in the early stages of Saturday’s match.

“He’s in good spirits, as good as he can be, it’s difficult for a young man to deal with but we’re getting the right support around him and he’ll come back in the right shape at the right time.”

Josh Prudden, who made his first senior appearance for the Dogs was also taken from the field in the last quarter with concussion, after colliding with teammate Koby Stevens.

“He’s certainly coming better today, we’re going to do the appropriate testing later in the week before we decide his availability going into our intra club this coming week.

Lowe also said Sam Darley and Shane Biggs weren’t far away after managing minor complaints from training.

“Sam sustained a knock in training the day before and he’s had a few issues around his knee, a little bit of swelling so as much as anything just precautionary just to manage him back in. He’s come back good this week so he’s good to go.

“Shane had a little bit of bone bruising in his knee, through a contact injury. We’re just working through to make sure that settles down in the appropriate way and managing his loads but he’s coming back into full training as well.”

Most promising was the progress of Clay Smith, who has returned to full training after a second knee reconstruction.

“Clay’s been really dedicated, just bringing his preparation back together, he’s coming to full training and we’re looking to bring him back into the program.

“He’s tracking really well, really positive in terms of how he’s committed himself to getting right, we’re looking forward to seeing him back on the track.”