First it was Adam Treloar, then it was Jason Johannisen. Now, another Western Bulldogs veteran has been struck down by injury.
Defender Liam Jones has suffered a hamstring injury, with the Dogs confirming the veteran will miss up to two months of football.
But, according to fellow backman Rory Lobb, the loss of three veterans on the eve of their 2025 campaign hasn't rocked the morale just yet.
The Bulldogs have spent time together on their pre-season camp in Maroochydore, with the leaders urging their young brigade to unite ahead of a do-or-die season.
With Treloar ruled out for up to 10 weeks with ongoing calf injuries, Johannisen suffering a hamstring strain that requires surgery and young forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan away from the club on personal leave, it could spell trouble for Luke Beveridge's men.
Liam Jones has suffered a hamstring setback during Bulldogs pre season. Getty
But Lobb says time interstate has kept the group positive, after their heartbreaking 2024 finals exit in the first week at the hands of Hawthorn.
"We've got a lot of older guys and then obviously a big group of younger boys coming through," Lobb said on Sunday.
"It's just good to connect away form our families and spend more time together."
Lobb declared that the group has "great support" in Noosa, with hopes of reconnecting in search of another flag to replicate the joy from their 2016 triumph.
"Everyone is going for little coffee dates in the morning, heading down the beach for a swim before training," Lobb said.
"It's good to get around the boys in a social environment."
The Bulldogs host North Melbourne in their round one clash at Marvel Stadium, on March 15.
