Afl Scores: Bulldogs suffer injury blows before Hawks blockbuster
The Western Bulldogs’ afl scores momentum has been jolted by a double injury blow ahead of Saturday night’s Gather Round blockbuster against Hawthorn at Adelaide Oval. All-Australian pair Ed Richards and Tim English are both set to miss the clash after scans were taken on Monday morning following the Easter Sunday night win over Essendon at Marvel Stadium. The setback lands as the Bulldogs remain the only undefeated side left in 2026, but the team now faces a test of depth and timing before one of its biggest early-season assignments.
Richards, English set to miss Hawthorn clash
Richards was withdrawn 30 minutes before the first bounce against Essendon because of knee soreness, and scans have since shown an issue with the tendon behind his knee. Further investigation is needed to determine his timeline. English is dealing with a medial collateral ligament injury and will be assessed in the next 48 hours, with the ruckman facing a stint on the sidelines. The loss of both players leaves the Bulldogs weighing up immediate replacements for a game that arrives after a strong 4-0 start.
Arty Jones was also scanned on Monday morning and has a low-grade hamstring strain after kicking a career-high three goals before leaving the game late. Adam Treloar was withdrawn from the VFL earlier on Sunday after being named for Footscray in the curtain-raiser, with general soreness still delaying his return to full fitness after an interrupted pre-season. The Bulldogs’ injury picture now stretches beyond the headline names, and that is the kind of disruption that can quickly change how a team approaches a heavyweight fixture.
Afl Scores pressure rises as depth is tested
With English set to miss at least one game, the Bulldogs could turn to draftee Louis Emmett for a debut against the Hawks. The 2025 pick No. 27 has impressed since arriving at the Whitten Oval in November and was included in the 26-man squad against Essendon, before producing 3. 1, 21 disposals, eight marks and seven hitouts in the VFL. Lachie Smith is another possible option after recording 21 hitouts against Nick Bryan at Marvel Stadium. The selection call now sits alongside the broader challenge of preserving the side’s early-season position while covering key absences.
What the Bulldogs are saying
Luke Beveridge’s side has started the season 4-0 for just the second time, with the only other run coming in 2021 before that team reached a Grand Final. The Bulldogs have never finished top four under Beveridge, and they now move into a demanding stretch that also includes Geelong at GMHBA Stadium, plus Sydney and Fremantle at Marvel Stadium. The immediate focus is Hawthorn, but the ripple effect of these injuries could shape more than just one night in Adelaide.
Next steps before Saturday night
English will be assessed again within 48 hours, while Richards faces additional investigation to clarify the extent of his tendon issue. Jones’ hamstring strain and Treloar’s soreness will also be monitored through the week. For the Bulldogs, the next question is how quickly they can absorb the setback and whether a debutant is asked to step into the spotlight as afl scores pressure builds ahead of the Hawks blockbuster.
