Crows forward McKenzie Dowrick will miss the 2023 AFLW season after being placed on Adelaide’s inactive list while she recovers from a knee reconstruction.

Dowrick suffered the injury in the inaugural AFLW Showdown on September 30 and won’t be ready to return to play this season.

“McKenzie has been working hard in rehab but unfortunately she’s had a setback and therefore won’t be available to play in the upcoming season,” Head of Women’s Football Phil Harper said.

“It’s very disappointing for McKenzie because she has shown promise in her four games since joining us from West Coast and has done a mountain of work to try to get back in time, but unfortunately it won’t be this year.”

Dowrick will be replaced on Adelaide’s senior list by promising Victorian utility Brooke Smith.

Smith, 19, has been playing with the Dandenong Stingrays in the Coates League and has also experienced senior football with the Casey Demons in the VFLW.

Last month, the 171cm teenager won the Most Valuable Player Award for the VFLW Under-23 All Stars team in its win over the AFLW Academy at Marvel Stadium.

“Brooke is a skilful half-back or half-forward, with a nice turn of speed and the ability to kick on both feet,” Harper said.

“She really impressed us playing for the VFLW Under-23 All Stars against some of the best draft-age talent in the country. After missing a fair bit of footy in her draft year (2022) because of injury, she’s worked hard to get back to full fitness and has been in good form this season.

“Brooke is very determined to make the most of this opportunity and we are excited about what she can add to our group. We look forward to welcoming Brooke and her family to our Club.”

Smith will move to Adelaide and officially join pre-season training in coming weeks.