The Western Bulldogs’ early prognosis has been confirmed, with scans to skipper Bob Murphy’s left knee revealing a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.

Murphy went in for scans on Monday, with the results confirming what had been suspected on Sunday evening after the Dogs' three-point loss to Hawthorn.

“Bob’s scans have just come in and they do confirm that he has ruptured his ACL and he has some medial ligament damage as well," Football Manager Graham Lowe told westernbulldogs.com.au.

“We’re going to give Bob as much time as he needs to consider his position, and [his] plans for moving forward.

“The Club will support him in any way we can to make sure we support him in making the right decision for him and his family.”

INJURY LIST: View the Western Bulldogs’ full injury list in the Melrose Health Medical Room.

In other injury news, forward Tory Dickson’s return to the top level is one step closer, with Lowe confirming that the 28 year-old should be available for selection for the upcoming weekend of football.

“Tory’s trained really well, he’s progressed into full training so we’re looking forward to him putting himself in a position to being available for selection this week, so that’s great news for Tory.”

Vice-Captain Easton Wood was a late withdrawal from Sunday’s game against Hawthorn with hamstring tightness, Lowe saying the All-Australian defender has not been ruled out of the clash with the Blues on Saturday night at Etihad Stadium.

“Easton had some hamstring tightness progressing into the game last week, he said.

“We didn’t’ want to take any risks so we withdrew him from playing.

“He’ll need to tick all of the boxes this week to make sure he’s fit and available to be selected.”