CARLTON has suffered a massive blow to its promising NAB AFL Women’s campaign with star skipper Brianna Davey ruled out for the rest of the season with a ruptured anterior crucial ligament in her right knee.

Davey, 23, suffered the injury in the final term of the Blues’ 21-point win against Greater Western Sydney at Drummoyne Oval on Friday night, a victory that saw the side move to 2-0.

The star defender will have a traditional knee reconstruction in the next few weeks.

It is a huge loss for Davey, who replaced Lauren Arnell as captain on the eve of the season.

The reigning best and fairest was named in last year’s All Australian team.

“’Bri’ is an incredibly tough competitor so when we saw her go down in pain late in that fourth quarter on Friday night, we knew it could be serious,” head of football Andrew McKay told carltonfc.com.au. 

“She is clearly a star contributor in our backline, but her absence will now be an opportunity for our other AFLW defenders to step up on-field.

“While we are incredibly disappointed for her, the club will fully support Brianna in her rehabilitation process, and we look forward to seeing her back out on the field in the navy blue for the start of the AFLW season next year.” 

That’s not the only concern for the Blues, with gun forward Tayla Harris to be monitored over the next week after she sustained a heavy knock to her left shoulder late in the contest.

Harris will want to be declared fit for next Saturday’s clash against her former club Brisbane at Ikon Park.

Results are back in from my knee and unfortunately i have done my ACL. Whilst i am quite devastated at this point, i am excited to take another path for the next 12 months and play a different type of role off field for the Blues girls. I could not be prouder of the bagger girls, and with a strong start so far, i know they are capable of amazing things and I will continue to support and help guide them forward for the rest of the 2018 season. To everyone who has sent me messages of support or to check in with me, i would just like to say a big thank you. The support has been absolutely overwhelming and it warms my heart to know how many people have showed genuine care and concern. I miss being out there already and already can’t wait to be back

A post shared by Brianna Davey (@briannadavey_) on Feb 9, 2018 at 11:16pm PST

@BriannaDavey is an unreal player but the greatest thing about her is the genuine care she has for her teammates. She’s the type of person who builds her relationships around listening. She’ll continue to be a great leader and mentor for the gals. We’re here with you, Bri

— Darcy Vescio (@darcyvee) February 10, 2018

Brianna Davey was in pain as she left the field. Picture: AFL Photos