Western Bulldogs defender Mark Austin has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a fractured wrist, sustained during the Carlton clash on Saturday night. 

View Mark Austin's player profile and season stats here.

Austin played 11 games this season after being elevated to the Club’s primary list in lieu of Tom Williams who had an extended period out recovering from a shoulder reconstruction.

Upon Williams' return to football Austin was then elevated as the Club's mid-season nominated rookie ahead of the round 14 clash against Essendon.

General Manager of Football, James Fantasia said the key defender established himself as an important cog in the Bulldog defence this year and will bounce-back from this set-back.

“Mark has impressed many around the Club with his attitude towards his football,” Fantasia said.

“He is a resilient character and will no doubt throw himself into his rehabilitation with professionalism and purpose ahead of the 2013 pre-season campaign.”

Austin was recruited from Carlton with pick number 76 in the 2011 Rookie Draft.