Western Bulldogs livewire Cody Weightman will be sidelined for at least three months after the discovery of a “rare” knee issue.
The gun forward will go under the knife to correct a congenital condition called bipartite patella, the Bulldogs announced on Monday.
The condition “involves a false joint that sits within his kneecap bone”.
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The Bulldogs had hoped Weightman, 24, could play through the issue, but he will instead have it operated on and miss about half the AFL season.
“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,” Bulldogs medical boss Chris Bell said.
“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 see Cody return to football in the second half of season 2025.
“A return to play plan will be finalised in coming weeks, with Cody set to miss the next three months.”
The Weightman news adds to a selection crisis facing the Bulldogs ahead of their round one clash with North Melbourne on March 15.
Adam Treloar (calf), Liam Jones (hamstring), and Jason Johannisen (hamstring) are also unavailable for the start of the season, while young gun forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan remains on personal leave.