Scans have confirmed that Crows AFLW ruck Rhiannon Metcalfe has torn the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee and she will miss the 2019 AFLW season.

Metcalfe suffered the injury in an innocuous tackling incident in the second quarter of Adelaide’s trial game against Fremantle on Saturday night.

Crows General Manager of Football Administration Phil Harper said the Club will rally behind the 27-year-old.

“It’s obviously very disappointing for us, as Rhi has been our number one ruck since we started,” Harper said.

“But she has a very tough character and the Club will support her every step of the way through her rehabilitation.”

Metcalfe will have surgery within the next week and once she has recovered, she will have a role helping with strategy amongst the team.

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As of Saturday night, 2019 will be presenting me with a few different challenges this year.. Scans today confirming those 3 letters every footballer dreads to hear .. ACL I have received an overwhelming amount of support over the last 48 hours which I am highly grateful for. I’m disappointed to be unable to put into action all the hard work I’ve pushed for in the off season but if I’ve done it once I can do it again. You are now looking at the loudest supporter for the Adelaide Crows Women’s team for Season 3. After their performance in the trial game, what’s not to be excited about! Stay posted, the Beast WILL be back... #weflyasone #adelaidecrows #crowsaflw #aflw #❤️

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In better news, x-rays confirmed no bone breakage in fellow ruck Jasmyn Hewett’s right ankle.

Hewett hobbled off in the final quarter of the trial game after landing awkwardly at a ruck contest.

She will have more scans to assess ligament damage, with a return date to be confirmed.