Hannah Stuart will miss the remainder of the 2023 AFLW season as she rehabilitates an ACL injury.

The popular leader injured her left knee in last week’s Round 2 game against Essendon, however due to minimal pain and a physical assessment she was able to play out the game.

Scans have since confirmed a strain to an existing graft in the 29-year-old’s knee.

“This is a really disappointing result for Hannah, who is such an important member of our playing list,” General Manager of AFLW Tessie McManus said.

“Realistically, given the nature of the strain Hannah could have played out the remainder of the season.

“However with her long-term health in mind, and to set her up for the best opportunity to attack the season next year, we’ve elected to send her in for surgery.

“Han’s the ultimate professional and she’s got our full support as she heads into this rehab period.”

Meanwhile, J’Noemi Anderson has been ruled out for at least the next two weeks after receiving a head knock yesterday.

“We’re taking the cautious approach with J’Noemi,” McManus said.

“By giving her the next two weeks to recover, it eliminates any pressure to hit recovery milestones and allows her to focus on recuperation.”

Injury List