Midfield duo Clay Smith and Mitch Wallis are recovering as expected from surgery as they rehabilitate their respective injuries, according to Bulldogs Medical Services Manager Andrew McKenzie.

“Clay and Mitch both had their reviews with the surgeon yesterday and he is very pleased with how they are going,” McKenzie said.

“He’s looked at their plans and as expected they will run normally over the next few weeks and we expect Mitch to be back in for the pre-season.”

Defender Matt Fuller underwent a shoulder reconstruction last week and has been added to the list of players ruled out for the remainder of the season.

“Matt had his shoulder operated on last week, he has his review coming up with the surgeon this week,” he said.

“Post-surgery the surgeon was very pleased with how it went and he is at home recovering at the moment.”

In positive news, Daniel Pearce is anticipated to make his return to competitive football through the VFL on Sunday, after medical staff took a cautious approach last week. 

“Daniel was back into full training, he just had some tightness which we didn’t think was effective going into his first game from an injury,” he said.

“So we rested him on the weekend and he will be in full training this week and he will play this week as well.”

Club medical staff also decided Josh Prudden will be ruled out for the season, allowing him ample time to get his body right ahead of the pre-season, after continuing to battle with a knee complaint.

“Josh injured his knee in his last game, we think it’s best for him to miss the rest of the season and start preparing his body for the next pre-season which he will do really well at,” he said.