North Bendigo key forward Rhys Ford could return for the Bulldogs’ finals campaign.
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Ford and the Bulldogs breathed a sigh of relief on Monday when scans on his injured knee revealed he had not suffered a season-ending knee injury.
The Bulldogs had prepared themselves for the worst after Ford was helped from the ground in Saturday’s win over Colbinabbin.
“On Saturday night we thought he’d done his ACL and his season was over,’’ North Bendigo coach Rob Bennett said.
“Rhys saw a specialist in Melbourne today and the initial report is positive as far as him getting back to play again this year.
“He has a level two strain to his medial ligament, some bone bruising and a little bit of damage to the meniscus that may require arthroscopic surgery. We’ll know for sure next Monday when he goes back to the specialist in Melbourne.”
Bennett said Ford’s aim was to return in time for the Bulldogs’ first final.
It’s a similar scenario for star ruckman Brett Strange, who also had a scan on his injured knee on Monday.
While the Bulldogs were still waiting on the results of the scans, the expectation was that Strange had medial ligament damage as well.
“Our head medico has Strangey pencilled in for a return in our first final as well.”
The Bulldogs’ undefeated status will be put to the ultimate test this Saturday when they face second-placed Leitchville-Gunbower.
The Dogs will potentially go into the game without Ford, Strange, Brady Herdman and Sam Barnes.