Carlton's young gun Mimi Hill has been confirmed as the latest AFLW player to suffer a season-ending knee injury.
The 18-year-old was helped off the field during the final quarter of the Blues' round-six win over Geelong on Sunday after hurting her left knee while attempting to tackle an opponent.
Scans later confirmed a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Hill has featured in all six games so far in her debut season.
She will see a surgeon on Tuesday before determining the best course of rehabilitation.
"Mimi has made such an incredible impact on our group from the moment she walked through the door six months ago," Carlton general manager of women's football Brett Munro said.
"While the feeling for us right now is one of sadness, our whole football club will be right there with Mimi to ensure she returns to the field to pick up right where she left off.
"Mimi is not only a talented footballer but a quality person, with great character.
"That is why we know she will overcome this challenge and continue her hard work and determination to become a great player for our football club for years to come."
Hill's setback comes amid a bad run of serious knee injuries over the past two weeks in a competition that has seen a spate of them in its five seasons so far.
Jordan Membrey (Collingwood), Olivia Purcell (Geelong), Deanna Berry (Western Bulldogs) and Lily Postlethwaite (Brisbane) all ruptured ACLs in round five.
Australian Associated Press
