The Bulldogs are left anxious regarding the condition of Stephen Crichton, their captain and key centre, who exited the Good Friday match against South Sydney in the second half due to a shoulder injury.
During the 43rd minute, Crichton struggled to regain his footing as he attempted to play the ball, prompting medical staff to attend to him. Replays indicated that he had landed awkwardly while being tackled by both Jack Wighton and Campbell Graham.
Subsequently, Crichton was ruled out of the game, and he is set to undergo scans on Saturday. Coach Cameron Ciraldo informed the media that it "doesn't look great," with initial assessments suggesting it may be a high-grade two or grade three AC joint injury.
This situation likely sidelines the Bulldogs' captain "for a while."
In a surprising move, Ciraldo chose to bring Sean O'Sullivan into the match rather than utilizing Bronson Xerri as a direct replacement for Crichton.
"I find it very strange now that Bronson Xerri, a readymade left centre who had been part of the side all year last year, wasn't thrown on and they kept Matt Burton on at five-eighth," remarked Panthers legend Greg Alexander.