Classy onballer Nick Fothergill will miss Saturday's home match against top-four outfit Euroa because of injury.
Fothergill fractured his collarbone after being on the wrong end of a bump in round nine's loss to Rochester.
It is a devastating blow to the Bulldogs.
Fothergill was enjoying another quality season and had kicked 15 goals to go along with multiple best-on performances.
“Nick's got a broken collarbone and it's looking like it might be his season done, which is really shattering,” Tatura coach Paul Kirby said.
“He is an absolute superstar talent; he goes above and beyond with his preparation and how he trains.
“It's really disappointing for him on a personal level, but also for us as well.”
While Fothergill's unavailability will be an extensive period, the Bulldogs will be without key-forward Matt Ryan and midfielder James Bennett.
And while those are three big outs, Kirby is excited for the opportunity that now presents Tatura's youngsters.
Leading the way is teenager Xavier Hutchison, who competed strongly in his senior debut against Rochester.
“Xav worked hard all day and that's all you can ask,” Kirby said.
“It was always going to be a tough debut game over there at Rochy against a strong team.
“But he does everything right and he has a good future ahead of him.
“Players like Xav, those younger boys coming through, are the positives for us.”
In Euroa's camp, Magpies’ mentor Scott Rowan expects to take an unchanged line-up into this weekend's clash.
Which will mean the skilled JD Hayes will front up again for his third match on Saturday.
Hayes, who has joined his brother Ben as co-trainer of Lindsay Park Racing, was best afield for the Magpies in round nine's win over Benalla.
“JD is loving life as a trainer but he, along with everyone, likes to have a bit of an outlet,”
“He does a lot of work during the week and when he's available he puts his hand up to play.
“He loves playing footy, it helps him out mentally, which is really important and we love having him around the club.”
Rowan said his side had enjoyed its week off action, but it would be ready for a stern test against the Bulldogs.
“The results last week showed you can't take anyone lightly,” he said.
“Anyone is a threat even if you are a little bit off.
“We are expecting a pretty tight contest from Tatura.
“Last time out they took it to us for three quarters and they'll be even harder on their home deck.”
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