Dale sent a scare through the Saints camp on Saturday when he landed awkwardly after being tackled and went to ground clutching his left ankle.

The incident happened early in the final quarter against Yarrawonga with the Saints securing a thrilling two-point victory.

Dale was on crutches after the match.

"I haven't had it properly assessed yet but I don't think it's anything serious," Dale said.

"The trainers at the club have had a look at it and think it is a grade one sprain.

"There is obviously a general bye this weekend so I will be looking after it as much as I can.

"I am seeing the specialist tonight (Monday) and will be guided by what he has to say.

"I am already able to put weight on it

"But if I have to miss against Corowa-Rutherglen following the bye I will.

"You have to look at the bigger picture and we have got some big matches coming up."

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Dale missed six matches last season after injuring his right ankle.

The 21-year-old is enjoying a breakout season and has emerged as one of the best small forwards in the competition.

The livewire is averaging just over three goals to be a surprise leader in the Doug Strang medal.

Dale has booted 40 goals to lead Lavington's Aidan Johnson (37) and Wodonga Raiders' Connor Newnham (30).

"I'm getting on the end of some good delivery from further up the field and playing some good footy," he said.

"More importantly we are playing well as a team and getting some reward for effort.

"Initially at the start of the year I was going to rotate through the midfield more.

"But it was a position that I had to learn to play and it didn't really work out so I went forward where I'm bit more comfortable."

If Dale can maintain his lead in the Doug Strang medal he will become the first small forward to win the award in more than a decade.

Lee Schmidt in 2008 was the last small forward to win the league goalkicking.