Saturday night's clash between Geelong and the Western Bulldogs is reportedly in doubt as the Dogs battle with an uptick in COVID case numbers.
Reports emerged on Tuesday that Bulldogs captain Ellie Balckburn was set to miss the match at GMHBA Stadium due to the AFL's health and safety protocols, with Nathan Burke's side likely to require top-up players for the match should they see further absences.
That theory could become reality, with further Bulldogs players understood to be placed in isolation, according to 7 News' Mitch Cleary.
It is understood that positive case numbers within the Bulldogs' playing camp have reached "double digits", along with staff having also contracted the virus.
The Western Bulldogs' AFLW game with Geelong scheduled for Saturday night is in significant doubt.
COVID-19 cases within the Dogs' squad currently in the double digits... plus support staff @7NewsMelbourne
— Mitch Cleary (@cleary_mitch) January 12, 2022
The Bulldogs are already without Ellyse Gamble (ankle), Deanna Berry (ACL) and Hannah Scott for this weekend through injury.
Defender Bailey Hunt is another that is racing against the clock to be fit for Saturday's trip to Geelong.
AFLW clubs can select top-up players should they have fewer than 23 primary listed players available.
The AFL's guidelines state that a match will be postponed or cancelled should a club be unfit to field 16 primary list players and five top-up players for a respective game.
Geelong are scheduled to host the Bulldogs at Kardinia Park at 7:10pm Saturday.
