Beth Pinchin has been ruled out of the upcoming AFLW Season after scans confirmed a rupture to her left ACL.
The 27-year-old defender was involved in an innocuous incident at training last Thursday, with further medical consultation revealing the severity of the setback.
Pinchin has suffered the same injury twice previously - both in her opposite knee - and will undergo surgery tomorrow.
“This is heartbreaking news for Beth, but she will have our full support in her rehabilitation,” EGM of AFLW Tessie McManus said.
“Beth is no stranger to hard work, having first arrived at the Brisbane Lions as an injury replacement player and later being drafted to St Kilda, and we know she has the resilience to see this latest setback through.
“Although she won’t be able to take the field this year, Beth’s constant energy and positivity will continue to be embraced by our entire group and remain an important part in uniting the club on and off the field."