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.
"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.”
"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.”
“It was unlucky for Aoife to be injured especially so soon after arriving in Australia, but she’s been very diligent in her rehabilitation. We expect Aoife to start running in the coming week and ramp up her recovery from there.”
"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."
“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.”
"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.”
"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.”
“It was unlucky for Aoife to be injured especially so soon after arriving in Australia, but she’s been very diligent in her rehabilitation. We expect Aoife to start running in the coming week and ramp up her recovery from there.”
"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."
“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.”
