The season of in-form Bulldogs midfielder Koby Stevens has been dealt a blow, sidelined for six to eight weeks with a stress fracture in his foot.

Stevens was subbed out of the Bulldogs’ round 15 match against the Gold Coast due to a bruised lung and missed the match against Geelong, but had reported soreness in his foot at the back end of last week.



UPDATED INJURY LIST: View the Bulldogs' full injury list as of Monday, 20 July 2015.

Bulldogs General Manager of Football Graham Lowe confirmed the midfielder would miss an extended period as a result of the injury.

“Koby turned up late last week, certainly showed some signs of foot soreness so we checked that over the weekend and he’s got a stress fracture in his heel bone, so he’s going to be out for six to eight weeks at least.”

Defender Joel Hamling continues his recovery from a back complaint and could be available for selection against Collingwood on Sunday.

“Joel has come in well at the beginning of this week, certainly we’ve seen some significant improvement and we feel like he’s turned the corner.

“We’re going to develop and build his load across the week and we’ll test them off the back end of this week.

“Certainly we hope he’ll make himself available this week but there’s still some water to go under the bridge.”

Nathan Hrovat and Brett Goodes returned through the VFL from their respective injuries, while vice-captain Jordan Roughead made a successful senior return from his back complaint.

“It was great to have Nathan back from a hamstring, so really pleasing to get him out there and get through some managed game time and Brett Goodes as well, pleasing to have them both back in the VFL.

“Jordan got back out there after a week off so it was really pleasing to have him back involved and we look forward to his ongoing involvement through the back end of the season.”