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GREATER Western Sydney and Fremantle will each receive a priority player selection to replace injured marquee players.
The clubs confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that scans revealed Renee Forth (Giants) and Kiara Bowers (Dockers) had sustained serious knee injuries last weekend. The pair will miss the inaugural AFL women’s league, set to be played in February-March next year.
Forth ruptured the ACL and MCL and medial meniscus in her right knee; Bowers tore an ACL.
The two, teammates at the Coastal Titans, were injured playing in the same match, a WAWFL semi-final loss to Swan Districts.
The AFL has advised the two clubs they may replace a spot on their respective playing lists with an additional priority player selection.
As part of the new women's league's list establishment rules, the eight clubs will receive four priority player selections, which will enable them to sign players prior to the draft in October.
The 29-year-old Forth, captain of the Dockers team for this season's exhibition games, would likely remain involved with the Giants, perhaps in a coaching capacity.
“The Giants will support Renee in her rehabilitation and welcome her enthusiasm to continue her planned move to Sydney,” chief operating officer Richard Griffiths said.
“We look forward to her being a long-term player. We are also keen to have her involved off-field while she rehabilitates and we’re looking at her being part of the staff,” he said.
The Giants will be keen to keep Renee Forth (kicking) involved off-field. Picture: AFL Photos
Fremantle national women’s league manager Wade Spilcker said the club was primarily focused on Bowers’ welfare.
“We will be able to replace her on our list, albeit we’d love to have her out there.
“At the moment the main concern is around Kiara and her wellbeing, rather than the impact on the club.”
He said Bowers would have a role to play in 2017.
“She’s obviously got a lot to offer, not only on the playing field but as a quality individual. She’ll be integral to the team,” Spilcker said.
