The Gold Coast SUNS AFLW side will look towards the season with only two players currently in the rehab group.
As reported by SUNS Media last week, defender Emma Pittman suffered a setback in her rehabilitation from an ACL injury.
AFLW Physiotherapist Aaron Duffy told the Injury Update all options were being considered for Pittman’s recovery.
“Emma was doing really well with her rehab and passing all the milestones we needed her to pass,” Duffy said.
“Unfortunately she had an incident at training and subsequently she was sent for scans and it’s confirmed she will require further rehab.
“She’ll be sent to a specialist for his opinion and then we’ll assess the best course of action from there.”
Inaugural SUN Kitara Whap-Farrar is also racing the clock to be fit for the start of the season after a minor procedure on her knee.
“Kitara picked up minor knee injury at training just before Christmas,” Duffy said.
“She was sent for scans and it showed a little bit of damage.
“She had an arthroscopic procedure but she’s recovering really well.
“The aim is to commence her running in the next week and at this stage she’ll be unavailable for Round 1 but we’ll know more once we see how she responds to that loading.”
Draftee Cheyenne Hammond sustained an injury during training has re-joined the main group this week.
“Cheyenne picked up an adductor injury prior to Christmas as well,” Duffy said.
“She’s done really well in her rehab and had a good solid hit-out on the grass on Friday.
“She re-joined the main group yesterday and if she trains well this week she’ll be available for selection for the match simulation on the weekend.”
In positive news, fellow draftee Dee Heslop has transitioned back into full contact training and is now also available for selection.
“Dee had a shoulder reconstruction last year and she’s done really well in her rehab and come back stronger than she’s ever been in that shoulder,” Duffy said.
“She re-joined full contact training after Christmas and is doing well.
“At this stage if she continues to do that she’ll be available for selection for Round 1.”
The SUNS play St Kilda this weekend in a match simulation fixture to prepare further for Round 1 on February 8.
