Western Bulldogs veteran Mitch Wallis won't return to the field this year after requiring surgery on a niggling foot issue.
The club confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that Wallis will need up to four months to recover from the procedure, curtailing his 2022 campaign.
“We trialled a period of conservative management in the hope that we could get Mitch through the season, but unfortunately his foot symptoms have continued to impact his performance,” Bulldogs medical boss Chris Bell said in a club release.
“We have been forced to resort to surgery to repair Mitch’s injury, which was completed on Saturday.
“Mitch is set for a 3–4-month recovery, which at this time of the year, will end his 2022 campaign.
“Mitch has remained positive and has turned his focus on preparing himself for a big pre-season."
The news comes as both Tim English and Ed Richards are ruled out of the action for Round 16 due to concussion.
English was sidelined for the Dogs' win over the Hawks after suffering a head knock the week prior against the Giants, while Richards was subbed out of his side's victory over Hawthorn last Friday night.
The pair will continue to follow the league's concussion protocols and may be in line for a return next weekend against Sydney.
“Tim missed the game on the weekend as he has continued to recover from the concussion that he sustained in Round 14,” Bell added.
“Tim has turned the corner in the last few days and is progressing back towards full training.
“Not wanting to take risks, Tim won’t play this weekend, but we expect that he will make his return soon after.
“Ed received a knee to the back of his head in the second quarter of the game.
“In the minutes following, he developed some low-level symptoms consistent with a concussion, removing him from the game.
“Ed will miss this weekend’s match but has come in well to the club this week and we are optimistic he will be back for Round 17.”
Duo Josh Bruce and Laitham Vandermeer remain at least another week away from senior selection, with the pair battling hamstring injuries.
The Bulldogs have already confirmed that versatile youngster Dominic Bedendo will make his AFL debut on Thursday night against the Lions, with that match to commence at 7:20pm (AEST).
