Western Bulldogs defender Ryan Gardner is set for a stint on the sidelines after injuring his left shoulder against North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium.
The 23-year-old collided with fellow Bulldog Alex Keath in the opening minute and came off holding his arm in a makeshift sling.
The club confirmed via Twitter that Gardner suffered an AC joint injury.
😔 It's an AC joint injury for Gards.
— Western Bulldogs (@westernbulldogs) April 2, 2021
The AFL’s new medical sub rule was quickly put to the test as 23rd man Pat Lipinski came onto the ground in the game’s fifth minute.
Lipinski’s entry into the match was the quickest activation of the medical sub since the rule was introduced ahead of the competition's opening round.
Gardner has played 15 games since making his debut for the Bulldogs in 2019.