A number of Gold Coast SUNS AFLW players have returned to the field in recent weeks after overcoming off-season injuries.
One of the most significant returns has been from midfielder Jacqui Yorston, who has resumed football drills after surgery on an ACL injury prior to the 2020 NAB AFLW season.
Yorston continues to tick off milestones in her recovery and AFLW physiotherapist Jasmine Roulstone said the 21-year-old was set to play again in 2022.
“Jac has been working really hard on her rehab since missing all of last season with her ACL injury and is now enjoying being back out on the field doing football drills,” Roulstone told the Qscan Injury Update.
“She has been doing non-contact training and will continue this way while she ticks off the next steps in her rehab.
“We’re anticipating she will return to full contact training soon and will be available to play again during the 2022 season which is great news for Jac.”
2020 leaders Jamie Stanton (ankle) and Sarah Perkins (knee) are also both fully recovered from injuries sustained during the 2020 AFLW season.
“Jamie had surgery shortly after injuring her ankle last season and has worked hard to strengthen her ankle to the point where she is now back into full-contact,” Roulstone said.
“Sarah had an MCL injury to her knee which luckily didn’t require any surgery, so she’s now also back into full training with the main group.”
Reigning AFLW Club Champion Lauren Ahrens has undergone off-season surgery on a bone injury in her foot and will be out of action in the short-term, but is expected to be available for Round 1.
“Lauren first reported soreness in her foot during the VFL season which after consulting with specialists we determined surgery would be the best course of action,” Roulstone said.
“We’ll start to increase her loads towards the end of the year with the view of having her back ready to go for Round 1.”
Luckless midfielder Ellie Hampson continues to manage a foot injury which interrupted her 2020 campaign, but is expected to return to the field in the coming weeks.
“Unfortunately Ellie has still had a bit of trouble with her foot which caused her to miss a significant chunk of football this year,” Roulstone said.
“She was able to return to the field for the QAFLW season but unfortunately re-aggravated the same injury that saw her miss time during the AFLW season.
“We’ve given her time for the injury to settle and are now in the stage of building her loads with the aim of being back into full training prior to Round 1.”
Since sustaining an ACL injury in Round 3 of the 2020 season, Annise Bradfield has been placed on the inactive list for next season but is tracking well in her rehab.
“Unfortunately Annise won’t be ready to play for the upcoming season, but she has been hitting markers in her rehab and we’re pleased with her progress,” Roulstone said.
“She was able to run in the two-kilometre time trial last week and we’re hoping she can return to non-contact training at some stage in the next few weeks.”
