The Western Bulldogs will not take an extra pick in next week's AFL Mid-Season Draft despite the latest injury blow to Riley Garcia.
Garcia is likely to miss multiple months with a hamstring injury suffered at training last Thursday, but the Dogs will not rule him out for the season. They will be cautious given his history of soft-tissue problems.
If Garcia was placed on the long-term injury list, the Dogs had the option of taking two players in the draft.
Garcia, a hard-nosed midfielder, is a hugely popular clubman who has been cruelled by injury in recent seasons.
The Dogs already have one draft slot available after the season-ending injury to Sam Darcy. Barring a massive curve-ball, it will remain as one pick.
While the Dogs' lack of ruck and key position depth is an obvious issue, they could also use more running power and midfield depth as they fight to at least make the wildcard stage of the finals.
Garcia suffered a significant hamstring injury in late January and required surgery. He was set to return last weekend in the VFL, but re-injured the same hamstring late in Thursday's session - just as he was on the brink of returning.
In better news, James O'Donnell looks odds-on to return for the Dogs against Melbourne on Sunday from a more minor hamstring issue.
Ruckman Tim English remains a wait and see ahead of selection this week.
English is in concussion protocols and would be an invaluable addition against the Demons' duo of Max Gawn and Max Heath.
