Western Bulldogs defender Bailey Dale has been ruled out of Thursday's practice match against Hawthorn and is in a race against the clock to be fit for Round 1.
Dale is coming off a second All-Australian year for the Bulldogs off half-back, averaging 24.8 disposals and 4.8 rebound 50s last season.
The defender's injury comes at ill-afforded timing, with the club already ruing lengthy absences of Liam Jones (hamstring) Adam Treloarย (calf),ย Jason Johannisen (hamstring), Anthony Scott (knee) and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (personal).
The 28-year-old is nursing a quad injury and thus won't participate in the Tasmanian Community Series clash against the Hawks, although he may become available to get a run-through with VFL-affiliate Footscray next Saturday, perย AFL.com.au's Josh Gabelich.
Yet, Dale is in a time crunch to overcome the soft tissue concern for the Bulldogs' first game of the season against North Melbourne.
Midfielder Ed Richards will also be unavailable for the Launceston scratch match, with Richards sustaining a calf injury at training last Friday.
The former defender has developed into a midfield weapon since gaining more time in the middle last season and has spent the entire pre-season training in the position, presenting as a valuable commodity to assist a star-studded line.
Fortunately for Luke Beveridge, Richards is likely to be available come Round 1, assuring support for the big-name duo of Marcus Bontempelli and Tom Liberatore.
Those two stars will play this Thursday night after being managed in last week's unofficial practice game against Essendon, as the Bulldogs build towards a make-or-break campaign.
The Bulldogs kick off their season against the Kangaroos on Saturday, March 15 in Round 1, followed by a blockbuster Friday night encounter with the Magpies in Round 2 at the MCG.
