Bulldog veteran Scott West understands why there is talk about his future but believes he will return to the playing field later this year.

 

"Yes, I am 33, yes, I have an injury that not many people understand and yes, I am nearing the end of my career. But I don't think people who are outside of the Club can speak about my future with any certainty as they don't know the truth. They can only speculate," he said today.

 

West suffered a setback in his recovery last Friday following a bone stress injury to his right knee around Round 6 this year.

 

The seven-time best and fairest winner with the Bulldogs had only missed eight matches in his first 15 seasons through injury so this latest setback is more frustrating than anything.

 

"If I had struggled with injury and body breakdown throughout my career I would be looking at things differently, but this is a freak type of injury and no one can really give you an answer as to when things will be right," he said.

 

"I have had a lot of support at the Club and we have a full rehab schedule worked out so I think I will be back about Round 17 with a game or two in the VFL."

"I feel that I am still playing really good football and that when I return I will still be at that level so I am not concerned with that side of things at all."

 

Despite constant conjecture over his future West said he would not start talking about next year until the end of the season.

 

"This year is not about Scott West. It’s about the Western Bulldogs and currently the team is going great and we are focused on finals. My goal is to get back on the field in the next few weeks and I will sit down with Rocket (Rodney Eade) when the season is finished," he said.

 

Senior Coach Rodney Eade said it was disappointing as West had been doing well with his recovery.

 

"We are working to have him back later in the season and we believe that will happen. I have spoken at length to Scott and we won't be drawn into conjecture over his future at this time."