Western Bulldogs have suffered a scare on the eve of the season, with All-Australian defender Bailey Dale withdrawn midway through the club's practice match.
The 29-year-old came to the bench proppy after a marking contest late in the first quarter and was subsequently withdrawn with knee soreness.
It's a massive blow for the Dogs, whose backline has been questioned entering 2026, with Dale an important piece in kick-starting drive from the back half.
Bailey Dale will play no further part in today's match sim due to knee soreness.
— Western Bulldogs (@westernbulldogs) February 19, 2026
The potential injury comes just 16 days before the club's season opener against reigning premier, Brisbane.
The 178-gamer averaged 27 disposals and 546 metres gained in 2025.
The two-time All Australian had a lively start to the game as acting captain, before being cautiously taken off.
It comes as hyped pre-season performer Lachie Jaques appeared to strengthen his grip on an Opening Round debut.
The second-year player was a standout across half-back for a Dogs lineup weakened by star players resting following the AFL Origin clash.
A dominant first quarter laid the platform for a fine performance where he looked at home against a full-strength Sydney lineup.
The 2024 Pick 29 caught the eye with his clean skills, overlap and intensity, with the excellent showing coming a week after he signed a two-year extension with the club.
That he was named in the AFL lineup ahead of Lachie Bramble, who has played every game for the last three seasons, was a telling sign that he sat favourably and his performance further enhanced his credentials.
Bramble was inserted into the game following Bailey Dale being withdrawn due to knee soreness.
Jordan Croft, meanwhile, also looks set to take a step forward this year off the back of signing a three-year contract extension.
Missing teammates Aaron Naughton and Sam Darcy, Croft got Sydney's best defender, Tom McCartin and kicked three goals and took some strong marks inside 50.
He kicked the first goal of the game after earning a free kick by holding front position against his stronger opponent, while a tap-on and ground-level two-on-one win was a testament to his mobility.
With Marcus Bontempelli and Ed Richards rested, Tom Liberatore was the leader of the midfield brigade.
The heart-and-soul on-baller found a heap of possession to strengthen his case to retain significant midfield minutes after this masthead revealed earlier in the week that the Dogs were toying with a move to half-back.
Joel Freijah looked composed and powerful in the engine room after a summer training for a full-time position switch following his breakout 2025, while Arty Jones was also lively and provided the highlight of the day, a goal from outside 50.
SSP trialist Will Lewis, meanwhile, kicked two last quarter goals.
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