Adelaide’s Eloise Jones and Western Bulldogs star Ellie Blackburn have each been dominated out of the rest of the AFLW season because of critical accidents, dealing big blows to sides at reverse ends of the ladder.
Jones damage her proper Achilles through the Crows’ win over Hawthorn final Sunday, two days after Blackburn hobbled off the sector with injury to her left foot within the Bulldogs’ loss to West Coast.
The 2 golf equipment on Monday confirmed their gamers would bear surgical procedure to restore their accidents.
Two-time premiership ahead Jones will watch from the sidelines as perennial flag contenders Adelaide shoot for a record-extending fourth title.
“It is clearly actually disappointing for each Eloise and the crew. She is a vital chief and participant for us,” Crows ladies’s soccer boss Phil Harper stated.
“She may have surgical procedure on her Achilles this week or subsequent and start the rehabilitation course of.
“We all know Eloise will assault her restoration with a optimistic perspective and can proceed to be an awesome chief for the crew off-field for the remainder of the season.”
Adelaide (3-0) are one in all simply two groups left with good information after three rounds this season, sitting second on share behind shock leaders St Kilda.
On the different finish of the ladder, information of Blackburn’s foot harm is one other powerful blow to the last-placed Bulldogs.
Blackburn, a three-time All-Australian and former membership captain, suffered a disruption to the mid-foot ligament in her left foot.
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“We’re all devastated for Ellie, who has been one in all our most sturdy and dependable gamers and was set for one more impactful marketing campaign,” Bulldogs ladies’s soccer boss Patrice Berthold stated.
“After conducting an intensive evaluation of obtainable choices, our medical workers have deemed surgical procedure as the perfect plan of action to facilitate her return to play in 2025.
“We’ll wrap our arms round Ellie and supply her with as a lot assist as she wants all through this complete course of to make sure she will be at her greatest with us subsequent 12 months.”
The Bulldogs can be rank outsiders in a troublesome project away to reigning premiers Brisbane on Wednesday evening. Adelaide host Essendon on Sunday.
AAP