Fremantle Women’s marquee player Kiara Bowers underwent surgery on her injured knee on Wednesday with Coach Michelle Cowan confirming the operation went well.
“I’ve spoken to the surgeons and they are really pleased with how the procedure went,” Cowan said.
“It was a standard patellar tendon graft procedure.”
Bowers, along with Kara Donnellan, was named as a marquee player for the club in July ahead of next years inaugural AFL Women’s league.
An exciting time for Fremantle
But the midfielder injured the ACL in her right knee in an innocuous incident while playing for Central Titans against Swan Districts in the WAWFL semi-finals in August.
GWS and Central Titans counterpart Renee Forth also suffered a serious knee injury in the same game.
Cowan believes 24-year-old Bowers will apply herself to her rehabilitation with trademark professionalism.
“I haven’t met a more elite and professional person in regards to her training,” Cowan said.
“I have no doubt she will apply herself to her rehab in the same way.”
Bowers is expected to be on crutches for two-to-three weeks following the surgery before beginning the likely 12-month rehab process with her physio.
Cowan said the club still saw a non-playing role for the Western Australian in the 2017 season.
“She has lots of room to grow in regards to her leadership and will play a role in mentoring our younger players,” Cowan said.
“I know she is looking forward to that opportunity to be involved at the club in some capacity.”
Fremantle were granted an extra priority pick to replace Bowers and announced the signings of Ebony Antonio and Kirby Bentley earlier this month along with rookies Kim Mickle and Gabby O’Sullivan.
Bowers shared a message with her Facebook followers following her surgery.
Surgery went great, already can't wait to get on the rehab train Just want to say thankyou to everyone for all the msgs, phone calls, face times and thoughts sent my way, you guys are all amazing!! Special shout out to Wade Spilcker and Michelle Cowan and Fremantle FC for all your help through this... Such an amazing club! #foreverfreo #watchthisspace #mtmf #thankyoutitansfamily #thankyoucoxallmyrock
