Western Bulldogs gun no certainty for Opening Round

Western Bulldogs star Sam Darcy will miss this week's practice match against Hawthorn with soreness, placing him in doubt for Opening Round.

Darcy featured in the State of Origin revival clash over a week ago, and hasn't recovered, with the club avoiding declaring him fit for the season opener against Brisbane.

The injury has put Origin's return back into disrepute, with another player struggling to overcome an injury leading into the new campaign.

"Since the State of Origin game, Sam Darcy has had some general soreness that has been slow to improve," Head of Sports Medicine, Chris Bell said.

"To reduce the risk of Sam suffering prolonged issues related to this soreness, Sam won't play in Fridays practice game and instead complete a football training session.

"Sam will be monitored across next week to determine his availability ahead of the Round 0 clash against the Lions."

Bailey Dale's return timeline has yet to be confirmed by the club, after sustaining a knee injury last week.

"Bailey received contact to the outside of his leg causing an injury to the medial ligament in his knee last week," Bell said.

"We will manage Bailey conservatively and will determine his return to play plan as we lead up to Round 0."

Defender Ryan Gardner will miss two to three weeks with a groin strain.

Veteran Adam Treloar is slowly on the improve from calf tightness earlier in the year, and could be made available next week, pending he gets through the required training.