The Adelaide Football Club has confirmed that star Crow Erin Phillips has avoided a dreaded ACL injury after scans revealed the 36-year-old had instead sustained a sprain in her left knee.
Hearts were in mouths on Saturday afternoon after Phillips - who has a history with ACL injuries - limped off Henson Park late in her side's Round 7 victory over the Giants.
And although medical practitioners have allayed the former Olympian's worst fears, a return to action is yet to be laid out by the West Lakes side.
Speaking in a prepared statement released on Sunday afternoon, Crows Women’s Head of Football Phil Harper explained that with a wealth of experience behind her, Phillips would tackle her recuperative period just like her opponents on game day.
“Erin is a professional in every sense of the word and will give herself every chance to come back as quickly as possible,” Harper told afc.com.au.
“We’ll monitor her progress in the coming days before determining a return to play date.”
With the Crows currently placed atop the competition with a 6-1 record and a percentage of 230.2, head coach Matthew Clarke will be under no pressure to rush the two-time league best and fairest back underdone.
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However, with a clash against fellow high-flyers Fremantle set to take place next Saturday afternoon in the West, Dockers fanatics are sure to have their fingers crossed that the hybrid threat opts to stay at home instead.
Across the course of her sixth AFLW campaign, Phillips has produced averages of 17.3 disposals, 2.4 clearances, 4.9 marks and 2.9 tackles per week.
In addition to their date with the Dockers, Clarke's Crows are set to round out their home-and-away season with contests against the Magpies (H) and the lowly Saints (A).