High Ankle Sprain(ATLH)

Timeline

1. R173 July

   Occurred

   High-grade syndesmosis (high ankle sprain) — hurt in the Round 17 loss to Sydney at the SCG (2026-07-03). Scans confirmed the extent; underwent surgery (scheduled 2026-07-08). Out approximately 6-8 weeks, targeting a Round 24 return against Melbourne; season in doubt if the Bulldogs miss finals.

   6 fixtures missed

   vs SYD

2. 6 July

   Progress update

   Scans confirmed a high-grade syndesmosis requiring surgery (scheduled 2026-07-08); recovery timeline extended to roughly 6-8 weeks, targeting a Round 24 return against Melbourne.

   Return revised: 17 July → 17 Aug

   AFL.com.au
3. 6 July

   Reassessment

   Scans confirmed a high-grade syndesmosis (high ankle sprain) requiring surgery; sharpened from the general AKXX ankle code.

   AFL.com.au
4. 6 July

   Reassessment

   Scans confirmed a high-grade syndesmosis requiring surgery (scheduled 2026-07-08); recovery timeline extended to roughly 6-8 weeks, targeting a Round 24 return against Melbourne. Will aim to return for the round 24 game against Melbourne.

   Return revised: 17 July → 17 Aug

   AFL.com.au
5. 16 Aug

   Progress update

   Not named in the Round 23 team to face Carlton, so the earliest return is the Bulldogs' Round 24 game against Melbourne — the round the club had targeted.

   Return revised: 17 Aug → 22 Aug

   zerohanger.com
6. 18 Aug

   Progress update

   Progress update

   AFL Medical Room R24 lists Connor Budarick as a test to play this round. Connor Budarick | Ankle | Test

   AFL.com.au
7. 20 Aug

   Progress update

   Named in the Round 24 team against Melbourne — confirmed in the ins list after the long ankle layoff. Closes on appearance.

8. R2422 Aug

   Returned to play

   Returned R24 vs MEL

   Returned after 6 fixtures missed

   Returned R24 — confirmed via lineup appearance.