Brett Deledio sent a scare through the Tigers camp when he failed to complete Friday's intra-club match at Whitten Oval because of back spasms.
Deledio hobbled from the field during the opening period of the 60-minute hitout and, after a brief chat with training and medical staff, retired to the bench.
Assistant coach Ross Smith said the 24-year-old hadn't missed a beat during the pre-season, and his setback came as a surprise.
"He tightened up in the back so we got him off the ground and iced him," said Smith.
"It's hard to know until we scan it, but we're hopeful that it's only something minor."
"It's better to be precautionary at this stage because there's still six or seven weeks until the season starts and there's no use leaving him out there."
"I don't expect it to be too much of a drama."
Smith said he was pleased by the performances of first-year mid-sized defenders Brandon Ellis - the club's first-round pick at last year's AFL national draft - and 23-year-old Steve Morris, the son of former club champion Kevin Morris.
"Both those young guys have put in a really good pre-season and we expect that both at some point in time will play early in the season," said Smith.
"Who knows, it might even be Round 1 for one of them."
"We're really hopeful those two will come through."
Club vice-captain Trent Cotchin was best afield in the contest attended by keen observers from rival clubs including Geelong coach Chris Scott and Collingwood president Eddie McGuire.
Naturally enough, every Bulldog and his dog was there including first-year coach Brendan McCartney.
Others to standout were Jake King, who's recovered from the knee injury he picked up in last year's International Rules series, Daniel Jackson and Jack Riewoldt who's rated by Smith as 50/50 to play in the club's Round 1 NAB Cup fixtures.
Smith said the recruitment of former Crow Ivan Maric had made the Tigers far more competitive in the ruck.
"I was really heartened by the work in the ruck (today)," Smith said.
"We need to do a lot more in the clearance area of our game to get the ball going our way."
"We've got a strong midfield but we've got to give them first use more."
Players unable to take part included Kel Moore (hip), Adam Griffiths (quad strain) and David Astbury (knee).