Mitch Hannan won't play again in 2023 and could miss much of the 2024 season after rupturing his Achilles in the VFL on the weekend.
The 29-year-old suffered the injury in a non-contact open piece of play on Sunday and has already undergone surgery.
Bulldogs head of sports medicine Chris Bell expects a recovery timeframe between nine and 12 months.
“Mitch Hannan has unfortunately suffered an Achilles tendon rupture,” Bell said in a club statement.
Keath is one of four tests + Mitch Hannan will miss the remainder of 23' with a ruptured achilles 😥
— Western Bulldogs (@westernbulldogs) August 7, 2023
🏥 Full medical room update:https://t.co/d9afDLxF5B
“He was running in space, with the injury happening spontaneously and without warning.
“Mitch has already had surgery to repair the tendon.
“With a 9-12 month recovery period common for these types of injuries, we will put our arms around Mitch to support him over the next few weeks before we start to map out his rehabilitation plan.”
Hannan has played nine VFL games and made three AFL appearances in 2023, starting as the substitute in two of those.
He's kicked three goals at senior level this season.
The Dogs couldn't confirm if Ryan Gardner would confirm in Round 22, but Alex Keath is available. Hayden Crozier could also return from a hamstring injury.