Rebounding defender Bailey Williams will have scans on a suspected collarbone injury, with senior coach Luke Beveridge expecting him to face a stint on the sidelines.

Williams has become an important player for the Bulldogs over the last 12 months.

He played every game in 2020 to be the Bulldogs’ most improved player and had continued his strong form into 2021, recently inking a two-year contract extension.

Williams was subbed out of the game at three quarter time.

The Bulldogs have already had two defenders suffer significant AC joint injuries this year – with Hayden Crozier returning in Saturday’s win against the Gold Coast Suns, and Ryan Gardner still sidelined.

“Our guys are a bit concerned that he may have a crack in his collarbone,” Beveridge said post-game.

“Sometimes when it’s an AC joint the boys can keep playing, but he had to come out of the game unfortunately.

“It’ll be a surprise if it’s better news than that.

“No one knows what the extent of it is, so we’ll wait and see. Hopefully it’s not as bad as Croz’s was – and Gardy’s is a similar injury.”

Williams has formed part of a strong defensive group in 2021, with the Bulldogs conceding less than 60 points in four of their five matches.