Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has refuted suggestions that have circulated in recent days that Darcy not getting surgery following his knee injury last year impacted his ACL rupture.
He added that the surgery has been delayed by “a day or two” to allow the swelling to subside.
“Wouldn't have thought so,” Beveridge said when asked whether last year's injury could be attributed to Friday's.
“Totally different situation. A jarring, bone bruising, hyperextension last year…our medical team did an awesome job through the consulting process last year to piece together a plan to get him back so quick but one has nothing to do with the other.”
He also provided updates on several players injured in Friday night's loss to Geelong.
Midfielder Tom Liberatore is “okay” according to the coach after suffering a concussion and won't need to front a concussion panel, but the club is expected to take a cautious approach given his history of head knocks.
Tim English is set to miss another week with his MCL injury, leaving third-gamer Louis Emmett and Jordan Croft to likely do the bulk of the ruck work against Brodie Grundy, given Darcy's absence. Back-up ruck Lachie Smith is considered unlikely to debut.
Rory Lobb, meanwhile, who did not play out the game due to a hamstring injury, remains a chance to play this week.
He is among a few sore players who will be given every chance to play, and given Footscray does not play until the day after Western Bulldogs, the three emergencies will be on standby.
Adam Treloar will come into the side if fit following a 41-disposal effort in the VFL.
Fellow midfielder Ed Richards was one of the Dogs best performed players on Friday night and Beveridge indicated he was not overly hampered by his early season ailments.
The Dogs coach also extended his thoughts to Carlton as they navigate the tricky Elijah Hollands situation.
Beveridge denied mental health was a greater concern than the broader football public is aware of but highlighted the impact that noise can have on players.
“I have no doubt what our players are exposed to and have to manage from a critique point of view is a lot more challenging than it ever has been,” Beveridge said.
“It seems to be some of the assessments and innuendo is a bit more personal than it ever has been and everyone's trying to work out what that means. There seems to be no conscience in a lot of it.”
