Kiara Bowers will miss the opening rounds of the 2018 NAB AFL Women’s season as she continues to progress with her rehabilitation from a knee injury.

Bowers missed the inaugural AFLW season last year after injuring her ACL for the Coastal Titans in a 2016 WAWFL final.

The club is confident that the midfielder will be available for selection in the second half of the season.

Fremantle AFL Women’s manager Wade Spilcker said they wanted to make the right decision as to when Bowers will play in 2018.

“Kiara has been working extremely hard this pre-season but unfortunately won’t be ready for the first few rounds,” Spilcker said.

“After consultation with club doctors and her surgeon Kiara requires additional time to regain full fitness before returning to play.

“Kiara is doing everything possible to get back to playing footy and she continues to work with our strength and conditioning staff to make that happen.”