Central District's bid to regain top form has been dealt a massive blow with gun on-baller Chris Gowans sidelined for at least eight weeks. 

Gowans, who missed the three-point loss to Glenelg on Sunday, will seek specialist advice today but a MRI has already found posterior ligament damage.

The six-times premiership player hurt his left knee in a clash with North Adelaide forward Clint Alleway in the Anzac Day battle at Adelaide Oval.

The knee is being supported by a brace and Gowans said he has been told it will be eight to 10 weeks before he can consider a return.

"I don't think I will need an operation," Gowans said. "I've been told I have just got to let it heal. So my return will depend on how quickly it heals.

"There is no pain. I was able to finish the game against North and there was not much swelling or bruising. But when I bend the knee I can't lift it up."

The Bulldogs will also be without premiership player Charles Slattery for several months after he damaged his knee against the Tigers.

The former West Adelaide midfielder is to seek specialist opinion but he is believed to have an injury similar to Gowans.

Slattery injured the knee when he fell awkwardly in the third quarter. He played on after having the knee strapped but was then stretchered off after being tackled.

The Bulldogs' midfield is expected to again be without Ian Callinan for Saturday night's duel with Woodville-West Torrens at Elizabeth.

Callinan was sidelined at the weekend with a hamstring problem and while he is considered a chance to front the Eagles, the Bulldogs are likely to take a no-risk approach and delay his return.

Courtesy of The Advertiser
Story by Warren Partland

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