MARCUS Bontempelli’s calf injury is “progressing nicely” and the Western Bulldogs superstar could be back as soon as Gather Round.
After hurting himself in the AAMI Community Series match against Hawthorn, Bontempelli was added to an already lengthy injury list at Whitten Oval.
In a concern for Bulldogs fans, the club described its captain’s issue as “complex”.
But Bontempelli is feeling optimistic more than a week on from the setback.
“Obviously not ideal any way that you look at it, missing the jump this year on the start of the season,” he said on Tuesday.
“It’s going to take a little bit of time, which is the frustrating thing, but the good thing is I feel great and really confident with our team that I’ve spent a long time with from a medical perspective.
“The important part here is to get it right so there’s no issues down the track.
“Hopefully it’s around five to six weeks (from the injury), we’re looking in that vicinity.
“Where that takes us to is probably around the Brisbane game in Gather Round, so in and around there is where we’re hoping.”
Former No.1 draft pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is another key player who won’t be available for Saturday night’s round-one match against North Melbourne.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan at Western Bulldogs training on April 24, 2024. Picture: Western Bulldogs
Ugle-Hagan has been working through personal issues over the summer, regularly training away from the club.
Bontempelli failed to confirm or deny a report about the Bulldogs considering withdrawing Ugle-Hagan from the team only hours before their elimination final defeat to Hawthorn in September.
But Bontempelli caught up with Ugle-Hagan in Kew on the weekend and was pleased with his progress in getting his life and career back on track.
“We’re always in that meeting (prior to a game) talking about the best look and who we can get the best out of,” Bontempelli said.
“That final didn’t play out the best for us, but that’s going to happen.
“We move forward, that’s the key now and we won’t be going too much into recent history.”
Others on the Bulldogs’ injury list include Adam Treloar, Liam Jones, Cody Weightman and Jason Johannisen.
