Western Bulldog's superstar Aaron Naughton is facing a race against the clock to be fit for the clubs elimination final in two weeks time, per SEN.
Naughton requires surgery on a depressed fracture of the cheekbone, an injury he suffered in the second quarter in Sunday's win over Fremantle.
Naughton was rushed to hospital after clashing heads with Fremantle ruckman Sean Darcy.
The forward flew with teammates back to the Gold Coast, where he will consult a surgeon.
The Bulldogs famously benefited greatly from the pre-finals bye in 2016, when a number of returning players helped lead the club to its second ever premiership.
The club remain confident that forward Mitch Wallis will overcome a shoulder complaint to play in the Bulldogs first final, with their opponents either West Coast or St Kilda.
