The Western Bulldogs have confirmed midfield gun Adam Cooney will have knee surgery, ruling him out for the rest of the AFL season.

The 25-year-old has been hampered by chronic knee problems since cracking his patella late in the 2008 season.

The injury has kept him well below his best for most of this season, restricting the 2008 Brownlow Medallist to 13 games, the last of those in round 18.

It is a problem that is expected to plague Cooney throughout the rest of his career, with the Dogs suggesting several weeks ago they might seek overseas help for him in the off-season.

The Bulldogs said in a statement on Thursday that Cooney would have arthroscopic surgery next week.

They expect him to be ready for the start of pre-season training.

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