Cody Weightman’s AFL Return in Question
Western Bulldogs forward Cody Weightman is considering a return to the AFL after a long period of injury and recovery. The club’s medical staff are carefully assessing the risks associated with his soft-tissue injuries, as he prepares for what could be a significant moment in his career.
Weightman has not played at any level since the Bulldogs’ 2024 elimination final loss to Hawthorn, due to a series of knee injuries that have kept him out of action for an extended time. However, the 25-year-old goal-sneak has recently rejoined the main training group and may be called into the senior side for the upcoming match against Collingwood at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.
Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge expressed his optimism about Weightman’s potential return, stating:
“We’d love him to play as soon as he can. He’s trained through, he’s had a couple of important weeks. We don’t know whether he’ll be available this week.”
Beveridge emphasized that the decision will depend on the medical team’s assessment, as they work closely with Weightman to ensure he is fully prepared for senior competition.
The coach also highlighted the progress Weightman has made in his comeback, but stressed that he still needs medical approval before returning to play.
“We feel like he’s got over the injuries, the surgery and the infections and everything that he’s been through,” Beveridge said.
“Now we’re just trying to make sure with the rest of his body and the soft-tissue risk: has he been through the right build-up, have we exposed him to enough for a senior game?”
Beveridge added that the team will continue monitoring Weightman’s condition over the next few weeks, with the hope that he will be available in the next fortnight.
“I can’t tell you whether it’s this week or next week. Hopefully he keeps that trajectory that he’s on.”
Other Player Updates
In addition to Weightman, the Bulldogs are hopeful that ruck star Tim English will return for the match against Collingwood after two weeks of absence due to concussion.
However, one player who will not be available is defender Luke Cleary, who was concussed during a collision with Melbourne’s Max Heath. Cleary also suffered a concussion in a similar incident last season when he was accidentally hit by North Melbourne’s Jackson Archer.
Beveridge addressed the situation, noting that the team will take a conservative approach with Cleary.
“Luke’s had one or two head knocks over the journey and so we’ll get a handle on how many he’s had in the past,” Beveridge said.
“We’ll look after him, like we do all our other players, and be conservative with him. Hopefully he’s rattled but he’s going to be OK in a couple of weeks. We’ll see.”
Team Standing
The Bulldogs (6-5) and Collingwood (5-5-1) are both in the last two “wildcard” spots on the ladder following their recent wins. Both teams are looking to solidify their positions in the competition as the season progresses.
