Fremantle marquee player Kiara Bowers will undergo surgery after rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament in the Coastal Titans’ semi-final loss to Swan Districts on Sunday.
Bowers consulted a surgeon on Wednesday after scans confirmed the damage to the ACL in her right knee.
The impending surgery means that Bowers will miss the inaugural season for the AFL’s national women’s league.
Despite the setback, Bowers remains in ‘high spirits’, according to Fremantle national women’s league, academies and community manager Wade Spilcker.
“Kiara is very disappointed to be unavailable for next year,” Spilcker said.
“She’s an incredibly positive person and she’s looking forward to doing all she can in rehab to get back quickly.
“The recovery and rehabilitation phase is expected to take around 12 months.”
GWS marquee player Renee Forth, a teammate of Bowers at the Titans, also suffered a knee injury in the same match.
The AFL has announced that both Fremantle and GWS will receive a priority player selection to replace their injured marquee players.
Spilcker said Bowers would still have a role with the team in 2017.
“We will be able to replace her on our list, albeit we’d love to have her out there,” he said.
“Kiara's obviously got a lot to offer, not only on the playing field but as a quality individual.
“She’ll be integral to the team.”
