BULLDOGS MIDFIELDER TO TAKE INDEFINITE LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Western Bulldogs midfielder Lachie Hunter has been granted an indefinite leave of absence from the club.

Bulldogs Head of Football Chris Grant says the club will continue to support Hunter as he deals with some personal issues.

“Lachie has been dealing with some personal issues for a period of time,” Grant said in a club statement.

“After some recent internal discussions, it has been determined and agreed with Lachie that the best course of action is for him to spend some time away from the Club while he addresses his personal issues.

“We will continue to support Lachie during his leave of absence, with his personal wellbeing the sole focus for everyone in the immediate term.

“During this period of absence from the football program Lachie will not play at either AFL or VFL level.

“We expect that Lachie’s privacy will be respected during this period.”

Hunter, 27, has played 168 matches for the Dogs, including all five games to start season 2022.