The West Coast Eagles have suffered an unexpected setback on the eve of the AFLW season with popular utility player Shanae Davison placed on the inactive list after suffering a serious knee injury.

Davison, a stalwart of the club, left the ground in the second quarter of the practice game against Fremantle at Fremantle Oval on Saturday and headed immediately to the change rooms.

While she hobbled off the ground with medical staff at her side, there was no indication of the seriousness of the injury. Scans have subsequently revealed an ACL rupture, ruling her out for the season.

Shanae Davison is helped from the field after injuring her knee

Davison has been placed on the inactive list and the Eagles have secured replacement Ashleigh Gomes, who will join the squad immediately.

“It’s devastating for Shanae,” Head of Female Football Michelle Cowan said today. “She has been such an integral part of the squad in the last couple of seasons not just through her on-field performances but because she has been such a vibrant personality in the group.

“I saw her this morning and it was great to see her back around her teammates having a coffee and she will be in the club tomorrow morning.

“We have now added Ashleigh Gomes to our list and we are excited to provide an opportunity for a talented midfielder who was East Fremantle’s WAFLW captain and fairest and best winner.”

Ashleigh Gomes. Credit: The West Australian

Gomes was also runner-up in the Dhara Kerr Medal, tying with Claremont’s Ella Smith, behind teammate Sharon Wong. Smith, a key figure in Claremont’s premiership triumph, also joined the Eagles AFLW program as a priority selection at the start of this pre-season campaign. 

The AFLW season starts with the Eagles playing Port Adelaide in the opening round at Mineral Resources Park on Sunday week (August 28).