Collingwood AFLW defender Annie Lee and third-year Magpie Imogen Evans are set to spend some time on the sidelines as the pair recover from injury.
Lee, who was traded to the Pies from Carlton at the end of 2023, will miss the remainder of the 2024 NAB AFLW Season having sustained an acute cartilage injury to her left knee during the Pies’ Week 1 match against the Sydney Swans.
The 21-year-old is expected to consult with a surgeon in the coming days.
Evans sustained a hamstring strain to her left leg during training on Tuesday evening.
The 20-year-old, who was originally drafted to Collingwood in 2022, re-joined the Pies AFLW list during the pre-season period as a replacement player.
Evans is expected to be sidelined for four-six weeks.
As a result of the news, the program has welcomed Collingwood VFLW players Jordan Ivey and Sarah Ingram as replacement players for the side’s first home game at Victoria Park against Hawthorn this Saturday afternoon.
Collingwood’s General Manager of Women’s Football Jess Burger said:
“We share in the disappointment for both Annie and Imogen who both were able to make immediate impact for the Club on Friday night,” said Burger.
“Imogen will turn her focus towards her rehabilitation and will work alongside our medical and high-performance staff over the next month or so. We look forward to re-gaining her at full health in the second half of the season.
“Whilst it has been an incredibly challenging outcome for Annie, we are all committed to ensuring the longevity of her overall health and career.
“Whilst this is difficult news, we’re confident that she’ll approach this next period of rehab with the full support of our medical team, playing group, staff and wider Club.
“Given these additions to our injury list and availability, we have elevated Collingwood VFLW players Jordan Ivey and Sarah Ingram who join our squad as we dip below the mandatory 24 players available.”