Western Bulldogs Captain Marcus Bontempelli Out for Six Weeks with Calf Injury

The AFL star's complex tendon injury adds to the Bulldogs' extensive injury list ahead of the season opener.

Marcus Bontempelli, the Western Bulldogs' captain, sustained a complex calf injury during a pre-season match against Hawthorn on Thursday.
Scans revealed tendon involvement in the injury, which requires a conservative recovery timeline to minimize the risk of recurrence.
The injury will sideline Bontempelli for at least six weeks, dealing a significant blow to the Bulldogs' early-season prospects.
The Bulldogs are already managing injuries to key players, including Adam Treloar, Liam Jones, and Cody Weightman, while Jamarra Ugle-Hagan remains unavailable for personal reasons.
Bontempelli's absence reshapes expectations for the Brownlow Medal race, as he has been a consistent contender but has yet to win the prestigious award.