Bulldogs midfielder Josh Dunkley forced into quarantine after attending COVID-19 hot spot

Western Bulldogs midfielder Josh Dunkley will miss his side's clash against the Adelaide Crows on Sunday after being forced to home quarantine for 14 days.

Dunkley was yesterday notified by the Victorian Department of Health that the local cafe he attended on July 14 had been classified as a Tier 1 coronavirus exposure site.

The 24-year-old has since returned two negative COVID-19 tests, but will still need to take on a 14-day quarantine period.

The entire Bulldogs playing group have also returned negative tests.

"Dunkley visited his local cafe on July 14, which was later declared an exposure site. He was contacted yesterday by the Department of Health, and his mandatory quarantine period begins from the day he attended the site," a club statement read.

"Since July 14, Dunkley has received two separate negative coronavirus test results.

"The entire Bulldogs travelling party also received a negative result during their trip to the Gold Coast, as part of the AFL's testing regime."

The timing couldn't be any worse for Dunkley, who on the weekend played his first game since Round Six following a shoulder injury. The Bulldogs on the weekend defeated the Suns by 11 points.

Dunkley's COVID-19 drama follows the chaotic pre-game scenes during yesterday's Sydney derby on the Gold Coast.

While Sydney came out victorious 15. 8. (98) to 11. 6. (72) winners at Metricon Stadium, a total of 15 players and staff between the Giants and Swans were forced to isolate in the lead-up to the opening bounce.