AFL star Bontempelli has emergency surgery

The Western Bulldogs' diabolical run with injury and illness this year has continued with vice-captain Marcus Bontempelli undergoing emergency surgery to remove his appendix.

It is expected he will miss up to three games as he recovers from the operation.

The 22-year-old trained at Whitten Oval on Tuesday but later complained of severe abdominal pain and was taken to hospital.

He was diagnosed with acute appendicitis and quickly went under the surgeon's knife.

Bontempelli will miss Saturday's clash with Melbourne at the MCG and could also be unavailable for games against West Coast and Port Adelaide.

It's the latest setback in an injury-ravaged season for the Dogs, who are out of the finals race in 14th spot on the ladder.

Bontempelli joins the likes of Tom Liberatore (knee), Easton Wood (hamstring), Liam Picken (concussion), Dale Morris (knee), Matt Suckling (Achilles), Clay Smith (knee) and Jack Redpath (knee), who have all spent significant time on the sidelines this year.