Western Bulldogs midfielder Toby McLean has left the ground on a stretcher after sustaining a serious knee injury.

McLean twisted his knee under the weight of Hawthorn ruckman Jonathon Ceglar andย immediately cradled his right knee in agony.

The 24-year-old was unable to get up off the ground and required a stretcher to leave the field.

McLean kicked the first goal of the game before the incident.