Suckling injured his right ankle in the first quarter of the round one match but returned to play an important role in the Bulldogs' win.

The club confirmed Suckling did suffer ligament damage and will be monitored ahead of Sunday's clash with his old team, Hawthorn.

"He had an episode where he damaged the ligaments in the outside part of his ankle," Western Bulldogs' medical services manager Chris Bell told the club's website.

"He did have to come off and require some management, but he got through the game and he pulled up pretty well following the game.

"We're going to work through a process with Matt this week to determine his availability."

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