The Western Bulldogs have confirmed forward Isabel Huntington won't return this season after the 22-year-old ruptured her ACL graft on Saturday.
The star Bulldog went down clutching her right knee during the second quarter of her side's 24-point Round 1 loss to Melbourne.
Huntington managed three disposals and two tackles prior to the injury, where she was assisted from Whitten Oval before undergoing further medical assessment.
That didnโt look good for Izzy Huntington ๐ #AFLW #AFLWDogsDees pic.twitter.com/qddOy5cMOe
— Womenโs Sport Australia (@WomensSportsAus) January 8, 2022
Bulldogs' General Manager of Women's Football Debbie Lee revealed the extent of Huntington's injury on Monday.
โWe are absolutely devastated for Izzy โ she is a much-loved figure at the Kennel, and everyone is well aware of her injury battles, so we're just heartbroken for her,โ Lee said.
โShe worked extremely hard this preseason to get herself ready for this year, so it's a real shame her 2022 campaign has been cut short.
โIzzy is a true professional though, and having been through this twice before she will know what's required of her.
โAs a Club, we'll continue to support her and the family in any way we can.โ
Huntington was in good spirits despite another setback, posting an update to social media on Tuesday.
"Oops I did it again," Huntington wrote on Instagram.
"Didn't picture my year starting with ACL no.3, but I'll be okay - worse things happen in life. Can't wait to cheer my @bulldogswย girlies on from the boundary, once their antibodies start behaving.
"Thank you so much to everyone who has reached out - inundated in love and support. I'll get back to you all soon.
"Swipe for some hot girl biomechanics & a lesson in how not to land after a marking contest."
Huntington previously overcame ongoing knee injuries to take out the 2020 AFLW Rising Star Award and an All-Australian selection the same year.
The Dogs' young gun booted 12 goals last year to finish among the best forwards in the competition and back up her stellar campaign from the year prior.
Huntington's latest setback was one of several heartbreaking scenes from the opening round of the AFLW's return, with Magpies star Brianna Davey and Lions veteran Kate Lutkins also suffering serious knee injuries.
Collingwood confirmed on Monday that Davey ruptured her ACL and MCL in Sunday's win over Carlton.
The 2021 AFLW Best and Fairest winner sustained the knee injury late into the game, with the setback a recurrence of the injury that riddled her 2018 campaign.
โWe are all heartbroken for Bri,โ Collingwood's Head of Women's Football Jess Burger said.
โIt's very hard to see our captain go down with such a cruel injury, let alone someone who is at the top of their game. There is no doubt her injury has been felt not just within our team, but across the entire AFLW community.
โBri is an incredibly strong, hard-working athlete, she is fiercely determined and cares deeply for her teammates. These attributes will give her great confidence to overcome the upcoming challenge she faces.
โShe's recovered from this injury before and knows what it takes to get herself back to being regarded as one of the competition's best.
โOnce the rawness and reality of the injury sets in, we have no doubt she'll commence her rehabilitation in the pursuit of reclaiming her on-field best.
โBri will continue to play a key role in leading this team from the sidelines this season and our entire program will wrap our arms around her during this difficult time.โ
The Bulldogs will soon turn their attention to Round 2 travel to Kardinia Park to face Geelong, while Collingwood will be hoping to go 2-0 as they host St Kilda on Saturday.
