Western Bulldogs midfielder Aurora Smith will miss the remainder of season 2022, with scans confirming a torn ACL and medial meniscus injury.
The 18-year-old sustained the injury to her right leg in the opening term of Sunday’s win over Adelaide at Norwood Oval, and will undergo surgery this week.
General Manager of Women’s Footy, Debbie Lee, said Smith will have the Club’s full support as she begins her rehabilitation.
“The entire AFLW program is absolutely devastated for Aurora, particularly in her debut game,” Lee said.
“Since joining our program, she has done everything she can to ready herself for this moment, and we were really looking forward to seeing what she could do at AFLW level.
“We know she has a long career ahead of her, so as a Club we will wrap our arms around Aurora and her family, and provide them with all the support they need.”
Smith was the Bulldogs’ second selection in the 2021 AFLW draft, taken with pick number 25 overall.