Western Bulldogs AFL defender Tom Williams will be sidelined for up to 16 weeks, after undergoing a shoulder reconstruction.

That blow continues a terrible injury history for the 25-year-old key backman, who has played just 73 senior games in his seven years on the Bulldogs’ list.

Williams dislocated his shoulder in the opening term of Sunday night’s pre-season win over Carlton at Etihad Stadium.

The Dogs had held out some hope Williams might be able to avoid major surgery and return for the start of the home and away season, with the aid of strapping.

But that hope was dashed on Tuesday night, when exploratory surgery was used to determine the need for a reconstruction, which was performed later in the night.

Bulldogs football manager James Fantasia said the news was very disappointing, but Williams had bounced back well from past injuries and was determined to do the same with this one.

“Tom is a resilient character and will leave no stone unturned in his recovery from this setback. He is in good spirits,” Fantasia said.

Williams missed the Bulldogs’ last five games last season with a foot injury.

His latest injury comes as the Dogs were buoyed by the encouraging return of fullback Brian Lake in Sunday’s match.

Lake, the All Australian fullback in 2010, played just five senior games last year as he battled a series of injuries.