Adelaide were compelled to operate on defender Alex Keath to repair a stress fracture in his leg in order for his trade to the Western Bulldogs to go through.

Keath will start his Bulldogs career on the injury list, after medical examinations by two different clubs revealed an injury which they believed required surgery.

Alex Keath (left) in action for the Crows. Credit:AAP

Adelaide were aware of the injury but believed it didn’t require surgical intervention and instead were planning to manage it differently if Keath stayed at the Crows.

Keath has since had recent surgery and will be unable to train for at least three months.