Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
The Bailey Dale injury has dealt the Western Bulldogs a major setback before Sunday’s AFL match against the Gold Coast Suns at Carrara Stadium. The All-Australian defender will miss at least five weeks after scans revealed a fractured shoulder.
Bailey Dale was injured during the final three minutes of the Western Bulldogs’ hard-fought victory over the West Coast Eagles. Surgery will not be required, but the recovery timeline could keep the 29-year-old out for the rest of the home-and-away season.
Another defender facing time out is Jeremy Cameron, whose shoulder injury timeline was confirmed as Karl Amon underwent surgery.
Bailey Dale injury hurts finals push
“In the final three minutes of the match Bailey landed awkwardly in a marking contest, causing an acute injury to his shoulder,” Western Bulldogs head of sports medicine Chris Bell said.
“Scans have confirmed that he has a minor fracture.”
The Western Bulldogs sit seventh with a 10-7 record and only six rounds remaining before the finals. Bailey Dale had played every game this season while averaging 26.9 disposals.
The two-time All-Australian also averages 6.4 rebounds from defensive 50 per match. Only Sydney Swans defender Nick Blakey has recorded a higher average this season.
“Bailey will miss at least the next five weeks of football,” Chris Bell said.
Jed Walter signs through 2029
The Gold Coast Suns received better news after Jed Walter signed a three-year contract extension. The deal keeps the key forward at the club until the end of 2029.
Jed Walter rejected interest from the Essendon Bombers, Geelong Cats, Collingwood Magpies and Hawthorn Hawks. The 21-year-old has kicked a career-best 23 goals from 12 matches this season.
“But I'm a Gold Coast boy. I've played my whole life here, and my friends and family are here as well. So it was pretty easy decision in the end,” Jed Walter said.
The 14th-placed Gold Coast Suns hold a 7-10 record before hosting the Western Bulldogs. The latest recovery information is available through the official Western Bulldogs medical room.
