http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/af...-1226116269981
Knee problem ends Adam Cooney's season

Mark Stevens
From: Herald Sun
August 17, 2011 12:00AM

Bulldogs star Adam Cooney is out for the rest of the season.
WESTERN Bulldogs midfielder Adam Cooney appears unlikely to play again this season.

Cooney will meet a specialist in coming days, with further surgery on his troublesome right knee looming as a strong possibility.

"He needs to catch up with the surgeon and see what needs to be done," Bulldogs football manager James Fantasia said.

Even if Cooney escapes what would be a minor arthroscopic clean-up, the Dogs will almost certainly not play him for the rest of the season.

The Dogs have not ruled out seeking help overseas to solve the problems hobbling their most important player, but have faith in the medicos dealing with the delicate problem.

"We have very good people here looking at him," Fantasia said.

Cooney has played in pain all season and struggled after a dominant display against Carlton in Round 16. He has battled soreness in the joint since the 2008 finals series, when he suffered a cracked patella.
Although the Dogs were relieved that Dale Morris's broken leg did not require surgery, the defender still faces a lengthy rehabilitation.

Morris will not be able to put weight on the leg for 12 weeks.

From there, he must build his fitness. He should be in the mix for selection for Round 1 next year, but his pre-season will be severely limited.

Morris's injury means father-son pick Ayce Cordy is in the mix to play against Port Adelaide on Sunday.

While a decision from Callan Ward now appears certain to come after the season, the fate of out-of-contract coach Rodney Eade could be known much earlier.

There was growing speculation the Bulldogs could make their call on Eade within days.