The fitness of Western Bulldogs' skipper Marcus Bontempelli has ballooned into a massive watch ahead of Thursday night's clash with Sydney.
Knee soreness and a six-day break have combined to put 'The Bont' in serious doubt for the Round 7 match at Marvel Stadium.
Bontempelli is yet to be officially ruled out, and the fact the Dogs' VFL side plays on Friday means there will be no hint pre-game with emergencies pulling out of the reserves.
But I understand, as it stands on Thursday morning, that Bontempelli's soreness is extensive enough that it will be a bonus if he plays.
Bontempelli was selected in the side on Wednesday night as the Dogs are intent on giving him every chance to play. It is very much a wait and see, with the superstar's healing powers giving him a shot at getting to the line.
He has in the past played through injury. This time, off a short break, the mountain may be too big to climb.
Lachie McNeil, Laitham Vandermeer and Jordan Croft are the Dogs' emergencies. Croft looked unlucky to be dropped and may be get a reprieve if Bontempelli is a late out.
Sydney has already lost a superstar, with Isaac Heeney ruled out with calf soreness.
If Bontempelli fails to get up for the test against the Swans, it would mean not a single player from the 2016 premiership team will play on the night the 10-year anniversary will be celebrated.
Tom Liberatore (concussion) is missing and Sydney's Joel Hamling, a key defender for the Dogs in the flag triumph, was dropped.
