Western Bulldogs have been dealt another massive injury blow, with superstar skipper Marcus Bontempelli ruled out for six weeks with a “complex” calf injury.

The 29-year-old came from the field during the first quarter of Thursday night’s pre-season clash against Hawthorn at University of Tasmania Stadium with tightness.

Scans on Friday revealed the extent of the damage, with the six-time All-Australian set to miss at least the first month of the season.

Last year’s elimination finalists will face North Melbourne, Collingwood, Carlton and Fremantle in their opening four games.

“While the club was optimistic of a positive result overnight, scans have revealed a complex injury with tendon involvement,” Western Bulldogs’ Head of Sports Medicine Chris Bell said. “Unfortunately, the structures involved with this particular injury are prone to having recurrent issues so we will need to follow a conservative management timeline to give Marcus the best chance of a successful season.”

The Western Bulldogs confirmed they will finalise a return to play in the coming days.

The six-time club champion’s injury is a hammer blow to the Bulldogs, who will already be without Adam Treloar (calf) and Liam Jones (hamstring) for the first month of the season.

Electric forward Cody Weightman will also be sidelined for the first ten rounds after undergoing knee surgery earlier this month, while veteran defender Jason Johannisen is still recovering from hamstring surgery.

Ed Richards (calf) and Bailey Dale (quad) are both racing the clock to be fit for the club’s round one clash with North Melbourne.

No.1 pick Jamarra Ugle-Hagan remains in doubt to feature in the club’s season-opener after returning to training last week following a period of personal leave.