West Coast Eagles forward Grace Kelly’s AFLW season is over after the dynamic Irishwoman suffered a knee injury on Sunday.
The 25-year-old sustained damage to her medial cruciate ligament when she got tangled up in an awkward contest during the second quarter of the club’s clash with Gold Coast at Mineral Resources Park.
On a positive note, Kelly’s anterior cruciate ligament was not affected and she is unlikely to require surgery.
West Coast head of female football Adam Selwood said the club would support Kelly through her rehabilitation process.
“Scans have confirmed that Grace suffered a grade three MCL injury,” Selwood said.
“Fortunately her ACL is intact, which is great news. She is facing a prolonged recovery, but one that is over a matter of weeks rather than a 9-12 month turnaround.
“We will do everything possible to support Grace during her rehabilitation before she returns to Ireland.”
While Kelly is set to miss the final two games of the year, Maddy Collier and Sophie McDonald look likely for selection this week after missing Sunday’s clash with the Suns.
Collier missed the contest due to a hip cork, while McDonald was deemed unavailable after turning her ankle at training last Wednesday.
“Maddy received a significant knock to her hip at training on Wednesday night and pulled up quite sore,” Selwood said.
“If we had another 24 or 48 hours up our sleeves she would have been cleared to play Gold Coast, but that was not the case.
“Sophie rolled her ankle during the same session and wasn’t in a position to play on Sunday. She is on the road to recovery now and should be available for selection this weekend.”
Melissa Caulfield is also a chance to face Carlton after missing Sunday’s game due to knee soreness.
Selwood said the club would manage her training loads throughout the week and assess her health ahead of the club’s match committee meeting on Thursday.
West Coast Eagles AFLW Injury List:
Grace Kelly (knee) 8-12 weeks
Maddy Collier (hip) test
Sophie McDonald (ankle) test
Melissa Caulfield (knee soreness) test
Brianna Green (general soreness) indefinite
Ashton Hill (knee) season
Alicia Janz (knee) season
