Fremantle vice-captain Ange Stannett will miss the upcoming 2024 NAB AFLW Season, after scans revealed the 27-year-old has sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in her left knee.
The injury occurred during a training session on Thursday evening at Victor George Kailis Oval in Cockburn.
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Fremantle Head of AFLW Claire Heffernan said the Club will do everything they can to support her through her rehabilitation.
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“Ange is a loved and admired teammate and will be missed on the field in 2024,” Heffernan said.
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“Her leadership and care for her teammates is second to none, so as a group we are shattered this injury has put a pause on her ability to play the game that she loves.
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“The Club will provide the best support for Ange post-surgery and beyond as she tackles her rehabilitation with the same determination and purpose that she brings to her on field pursuits.
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Key forward Serena Gibbs has also injured her medial collateral ligament (MCL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in her left knee during the same session.
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“Serena’s injury is another stroke of bad luck, as she was building towards some impressive form and ready to hit pre-season with intensity and purpose,” Heffernan said.
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“As with all of our injured players, we will provide the same care and support as Serena commits to her rehabilitation and works towards healing from this injury.
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 Both Stannett and Gibbs’ injury timelines are still unclear, and their return to play will be confirmed post-surgery.