Vice-captain Brooke Lochland will have a delayed start to the 2020 AFLW season after suffering a low-grade hamstring strain during training.

It is expected Lochland will miss 1-2 weeks, including this Sunday’s season-opener against St Kilda.

“It’s a disappointing outcome for Brooke given we are about to commence the season, and also given she was injured last year,” General Manager of Women’s Football, Debbie Lee, said.

“We know she’ll do everything right to get herself back and ready to play, but will no doubt play an integral role on Sunday despite being on the sidelines.”

Recruit Issy Grant will also miss the opening round with a foot injury.

The setback will see Grant forced to wear a moon-boot, with a return to play timeframe to become clearer after being reassessed next week.

Former Dee and Giant Ash Guest (knee and ankle) rounds out the Bulldogs’ injury list.