Western Bulldogs star Marcus Bontempelli to miss start of AFL season with calf injury

Western Bulldogs star Marcus Bontempelli will miss the start of the Australian Football League (AFL) season due to a calf injury. Initially thought to be a minor issue, the injury has proven to be more serious than anticipated, potentially sidelining him for several weeks.

Bontempelli sustained the complex calf injury in the first quarter of Thursday's pre-season match against Hawthorn, forcing him to leave the field. Bulldogs Head of Sports Medicine, Chris Bell, stated in a club statement: "While the club was optimistic about a positive result overnight, scans have revealed a complex injury involving the tendon."

"Unfortunately, the structures involved in this particular injury are prone to recurrence issues, so we will need to take a conservative management timeline to give Marcus the best chance to successfully complete the season." The Bulldogs already have a lengthy injury list, with Adam Treloar, Liam Jones, and Cody Weightman all sidelined with injuries, further compounding the team's challenges.

On the other hand, Carlton coach Michael Voss has stated that he is not concerned about the fitness of defender Mitch McGovern, despite the 30-year-old leaving the team's impressive pre-season victory over the Greater Western Sydney Giants with ankle soreness.

Carlton easily defeated last year's semi-finalists, securing a dominant victory on Friday night at Manuka Oval in Canberra with a score of 18.16 (124) to 9.12 (66). McGovern was one of the standout players in the match, kicking one of Carlton's five goals before his early exit and taking a spectacular mark over Giants rookie Oliver Hannan in the first quarter when they led 35-2.

Voss said after the game: "Yeah, he's fine, McGovern. It was part of being cautious and managing game time, but McGovern is certainly not at risk, he'll be fine." Key forward Harry McKay was also subbed out late in the game, but his treatment was precautionary, ensuring his availability for upcoming matches.