Cody Weightman has joined the Western Bulldogs' worrying injury list and will miss half the AFL season.
A rare knee injury will need surgery, sidelining the small forward for three months in another blow to the Bulldogs.
The club released a statement on Monday, saying Weightman has a rare condition called bipartite patella.
Weightman played in the weekend's match simulation against Essendon.
"This injury has not caused Cody any concerns across his career until he received some direct impact on it during a pre-season training session," said Chris Bell, the Bulldogs' head of sports medicine.
"Conservative management has failed to improve Cody's symptoms, meaning surgery has become the best option.
"With this being a very rare presentation, the club has consulted multiple specialist opinions, with the decision to surgically stabilise the joint within the kneecap the most viable option.
"That will (mean) Cody returns to football in the second half of season 2025."
Weightman, 24, has played 76 AFL games for the Dogs since his 2024 senior debut.
He kicked 27 goals in 17 games last season, with an ongoing elbow injury giving him some trouble.
Earlier this month, the Bulldogs lost defender Liam Jones for the start of the season with a hamstring injury.
All-Australian midfielder Adam Treloar was also sidelined with a calf injury.
Key forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is on a flexible training program as he deals with personal issues.
While Ugle-Hagan is no certainty to be ready for the start of the season, he joined the Indigenous All-Stars in Perth last week for their pre-season win over Fremantle.
"For us as a community and brothers to be able to wrap our arms around him and get him around our group, if that helps him get back and doing what he loves doing - and that's playing AFL footy - if we can play a part in that, I think that's only a good thing," said All-Stars coach Xavier Clarke.
"He looks like he's in good spirits, and I've got no doubt he'll be back to where he needs to be in no time."
