The Gold Coast SUNS can confirm AFLW defender Emma Pittman has suffered a setback in her recovery from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.

Pittman was sent for scans following an innocuous incident at training, with results confirming the rebounding defender would require more extensive rehabilitation on her right knee which will affect her availability for the AFLW season. 

“It’s unfortunate for Emma, she’d put in a considerable amount of work to get to this position and had taken the workload in her stride,” SUNS Head of Women’s Football Fiona McLarty said.

“Emma originally injured her ACL early last year and was on track for a return to playing after ticking off significant rehab milestones in recent months.

“She has been a fantastic person to have as part of our inaugural squad, she is much loved by her teammates and we’ll make sure the Gold Coast family support her throughout the recovery process.”

All options will be considered as the club works to determine the next course of action for Pittman.