Howlong recruit Jesse Johnston was forced to miss the season opener against Rand-Walbundrie-Walla last weekend after being involved in a car accident.
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Johnston's car veered off the road and slammed into a fence in the early hours of Thursday morning when he was travelling to work.
The 30-year-old said he was fortunate to escape any serious injuries other than a case of whiplash.
"I got a flat tyre on my way to work at about 6am and veered off the road and into a fence," Johnston said.
"I was fairly stiff and sore after it happened so I had to miss playing last weekend.
"I'm off to the chiropractor today (Tuesday) because I'm still fairly sore, mainly because of the whiplash.
"Hopefully the chiropractor can weave his magic and I will be right to play this week against the Billabong Crows.
"I was disappointed not to be able to play last week, especially after we got beat."
Johnston crossed to Thurgoona from Murray Magpies two years ago, booting 10 goals from 15 matches for the Bulldogs.
The versatile tall struggled to recapture his best form after injuring his shoulder mid-season.
Johnston missed the Bulldogs' 71-point grand final triumph over Barnawartha but was among his side's best in the reserves grand final win over Yackandandah.
The athletic big-man played some of the best football of his career for Murray Magpies in 2016 when he finished runner-up to Peter Hancock in the Azzi medal.
Hancock played reserves last weekend and looks set for a delayed start to the season as he recaptures match-fitness.
Johnston is confident he is over the shoulder injury which plagued him two years ago.
"The shoulder was feeling fine over the pre-season," he said.
"I got through all the practice matches and I'm confident I won't have any issues with the shoulder this season."
IN OTHER NEWS
Meanwhile, Brock-Burrum signing Damian Cupido's clearance wrangle with Corowa-Rutherglen is set to be resolved by the national permit committee in the next 48 hours.
Cupido was unable to play in the opening round against Osborne with the former AFL assisting with coaching from the sidelines.
The Saints take on Holbrook at Holbrook on Saturday.
Corowa-Rutherglen is also yet to clear Trent Castles to MCUE.
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