Melbourne has provided an injury update ahead of its practice match against Port Adelaide
MELBOURNE has provided an injury update ahead of its first official AFLW practice match against Port Adelaide at Alberton Oval on Saturday.
In disappointing news for Grace Beasley, the midfielder will miss the 2026 NAB AFLW season after injuring her left ACL during the club’s match simulation against Richmond last Friday.
General Manager of AFLW Katrina Gill said it was a tough setback for Beasley, who successfully recovered from a torn ACL in her opposite knee in 2024.
“It’s shattering for Grace and also her teammates who have seen how hard she worked to get back to full fitness last year,” Gill said.
“We’ll put all our love and support around Grace through this difficult time as she prepares for surgery. We know she’ll attack her rehabilitation with the same determined attitude and energy she brings to the club every day.”
Defender Sinead Goldrick is making good progress from a knee injury and is aiming to be available for the AFLW NAB Australia v Ireland game in Sydney on Saturday 1 August.
Unfortunately, Maeve Chaplin will miss the representative game after suffering a foot injury during Melbourne's match simulation against Geelong.
"Maeve sustained heavy impact to her right foot during a contest against Geelong and subsequent scans showed a fracture," Gill said.
"It’s disappointing for Maeve to be sidelined for the rest of pre-season, including the Australia v Ireland match which she was really looking forward to.
“The positive is that the injury didn’t require surgery and we expect Maeve to be back in the early rounds of the season. In the meantime, she will continue to play a big role as a leader of our club.”
Irish rookie Aoife Horisk is on the mend after having surgery on her left ankle following an injury at training.
“It was unlucky for Aoife to be injured especially so soon after arriving in Australia, but she’s been very diligent in her rehabilitation,” Gill said.
“We expect Aoife to start running in the coming week and ramp up her recovery from there.”
Ruck Lauren Pearce also undergone surgery after sustaining an injury to her left knee.
"Lauren felt some pain in her knee and in consultation with our medical team it was decided that surgery was the best course of action," Gill said.
"Lauren will miss the start of the season, but we know she is an absolute professional and the surgery will allow her to be fit and firing when she returns.”
Draftee Chloe Baker-West continues to manage a stress response in her leg.
"Chloe has had a frustrating run with injuries over the past couple of years, Gill said.
"We want to set Chloe up for long-term success and will take a conservative approach with her recovery. Chloe is very resilient and is working hard to get back on the track with her teammates."
In positive news, Olivia Purcell has completed her recovery from an ACL injury, taking part in the club’s match simulation against Richmond.
Kate Hore and Georgia Campbell have both returned to full training following off-season shoulder surgeries, while Jacinta Hose played her first official game in three years in the match simulation against Geelong.
The 20-year-old ruck has enjoyed a strong pre-season and is aiming to make her long-awaited debut in 2026.
Tayla Harris (calf), Ryleigh Wotherspoon (shoulder) and Laela Ebert (knee) won’t play against Port Adelaide on Saturday, but will be available for Melbourne’s season-opener against Hawthorn on Thursday 13 August.
“Loz had that setback with her knee following the Brisbane game,” Keily said.
“We’re allowing her symptoms to settle before looking to reload her to be match-ready over the next fortnight.”
“Jorja is now out of her wrist splint, which means she can start skills and strength work,” Keily said.
“She’ll join non-contract training this week and then will look to re-integrate into full training next week.”
“Jacinta is out of the boot has ticked off her first run which is really positive,” Keily said.
“She’s been super diligent with her rehab program and we’ll hopefully see her back in action over the next month.”
“Sinead was involved in an incident during the first quarter of the game, where contact was made with her left knee,” Keily said.
“Unfortunately, scans have confirmed that she has sustained an MCL injury. We’re seeking further assessments from specialists and from there we’ll be able to determine a return-to-play plan.”
“Following Casey’s VFLW game last weekend, Amelia presented with some knee soreness,” Keily said.
“Unfortunately, scans have confirmed that she has suffered a tear to her meniscus. She underwent surgery today and we’ll be able to determine a return-to-play timeline once she recovers from that surgery.”
“It’s disappointing that Chloe won’t have the opportunity to play in her first AFLW season, but we want to make sure we set her up for success in the longer term,” Keily said.
“Chloe has taken a very mature approach to her rehabilitation and is determined to be fit and firing to attack next pre-season.”
“It’s shattering for Grace and also her teammates who have seen how hard she worked to get back to full fitness last year,” Gill said.
“We’ll put all our love and support around Grace through this difficult time as she prepares for surgery. We know she’ll attack her rehabilitation with the same determined attitude and energy she brings to the club every day.”
“Loz had that setback with her knee following the Brisbane game,” Keily said.
“We’re allowing her symptoms to settle before looking to reload her to be match-ready over the next fortnight.”
“Jorja is now out of her wrist splint, which means she can start skills and strength work,” Keily said.
“She’ll join non-contract training this week and then will look to re-integrate into full training next week.”
“Jacinta is out of the boot has ticked off her first run which is really positive,” Keily said.
“She’s been super diligent with her rehab program and we’ll hopefully see her back in action over the next month.”
“Sinead was involved in an incident during the first quarter of the game, where contact was made with her left knee,” Keily said.
“Unfortunately, scans have confirmed that she has sustained an MCL injury. We’re seeking further assessments from specialists and from there we’ll be able to determine a return-to-play plan.”
“Following Casey’s VFLW game last weekend, Amelia presented with some knee soreness,” Keily said.
“Unfortunately, scans have confirmed that she has suffered a tear to her meniscus. She underwent surgery today and we’ll be able to determine a return-to-play timeline once she recovers from that surgery.”
“It’s disappointing that Chloe won’t have the opportunity to play in her first AFLW season, but we want to make sure we set her up for success in the longer term,” Keily said.
“Chloe has taken a very mature approach to her rehabilitation and is determined to be fit and firing to attack next pre-season.”
“It’s shattering for Grace and also her teammates who have seen how hard she worked to get back to full fitness last year,” Gill said.
“We’ll put all our love and support around Grace through this difficult time as she prepares for surgery. We know she’ll attack her rehabilitation with the same determined attitude and energy she brings to the club every day.”
