Only weeks after gun Bulldogs prop Luke Berkrey was sidelined with a cracked sternum, Miller is now also a long-term casualty with a leg injury.

Cootamundra co-coach Mark Elia yesterday revealed Miller is on crutches after being hurt in the loss 44-26 loss to Southcity a week ago.

"Unfortunately, it looks as though we've lost Grant Miller for the season," Elia reported yesterday.

"He's had scans today on a knee injury, and it doesn't look good.

"He's still on crutches."

The loss of Miller is a body blow to Cootamundra before Sunday's clash with Albury at Les Boyd Oval.

For Elia, however, the 18-point failure against the Bulls produced some "encouraging" signs.

"I thought we gave a good account of ourselves last week, especially after being down 26-10 at halftime," he said.

"As much as Southcity were a little bit in second gear, we didn't fold, and got the scoreboard respectable.

"There were encouraging moments from fringe players like Iro, Vano, Davies, Levett and Holani."

Elia remains positive ahead of the duel with Albury.

"We'll be backing ourselves to score points and pushing them (Albury) all the way," he said.

If beaten by the Thunder, the Bulldogs risk sliding out of the top five.