Western Bulldogs defender Connor Budarick has been sidelined for at least three weeks with a hamstring strain following the loss to Hawthorn.

Budarick is set to miss clashes against Geelong, Sydney and Fremantle, and will be pushing for a return against Port Adelaide.

Forward Aaron Naughton underwent a precautionary scan on his injured hand, but has been stated as ready to train on Wednesday.

Tom Liberatore is set to return from hamstring injury on Friday, while ruckman Tim English is a test to face the Cats.

The Power will once again miss utility Jack Lukosius after succumbing to a persistent groin issue that has been plaguing his season.

The club has opted to undergo a block of rehab, and begin preparing for Lukosius for the second half of the season, and have ruled him out for at least six weeks.

Important Melbourne duo Christian Salem (foot) and Jake Melksham (ankle) have been sidelined with leg injuries. The pair will miss at least three weeks, with Salem potentially missing in action for six weeks.

Trent Rivers has been revealed to be dealing with ongoing knee soreness, which coach Steven King hinted it as the reason for his axing after Round 2.

Rivers participated in match sim over the weekend, and now has been ruled out for the next fortnight as he rehabs his knee.

Speedster Changkuoth Jiath is pressing his case for a recall after recovering from a calf injury.

Brisbane premiership defender Noah Answerth has been ticked off by the medicos to return from concussion, and will face Melbourne on the weekend. 

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