MELBOURNE’S Tayla Harris has been struck a devastating blow, with the key forward to undergo shoulder surgery that will see her miss the remainder of the AFL Women’s season.
Harris sat out the final term of the Demons’ Week 1 win over Geelong on Saturday night, having experienced concern to her left shoulder on two occasions during the game.
Scans this week revealed the 27-year-old, who sustained injury to the same shoulder in pre-season, had suffered a repeat anterior shoulder dislocation.
After further consultation with a specialist on Tuesday, it was recommended Harris undergo surgery.
“Tayla experienced two moments of concern on Saturday night, the first being during the opening quarter in a contest,” Melbourne’s Head of Women’s Football Jessie Mulholland said.
“Despite initial pain, she had full strength and range of movement in her shoulder, so was cleared to return.
“Tayla was then involved in a ground ball contest during the third quarter, which saw her land on her shoulder and suffer the dislocation. She was subsequently ruled out of the game.
“The extent of the damage unfortunately increases Tayla’s risk of further dislocations and overall shoulder stability, and therefore the possibility of further structural impact, meaning she will require surgery.
“It’s an incredibly disappointing outcome for Tayla, who had a strong block of full contact training with her shoulder heading in, and was ready to attack her ninth season at the top level.”
Harris, who had added another string to her bow by training as a defender throughout pre-season, will prepare for surgery in the coming week.
Her focus will then shift to contributing to the Demons’ 2024 ambitions from the sidelines.
“Tayla is an important member of our group, and she will still play a key role for us this season, particularly with her positive attitude and strong footy IQ,” Mulholland said.
“Tayla is as resilient as they come, and we know will tackle her recovery with the utmost professionalism and diligence, while helping her teammates be the best they can be.
“We will be there for Tayla every step of the way, and support her through this challenging period.”
Harris shared her disappointment after receiving the news this week.
“I’m extremely disappointed to have my season cut short,” Harris said.
“It’s an honour to pull on the red and blue guernsey and run out with this team, and it’s unfortunate that I won’t have that opportunity again this year.
“I now look forward to contributing in many ways off the field, and doing whatever I can to help us achieve our goal in 2024. I can’t wait to be back on the field doing what I love in 2025.”
Harris underwent a similar procedure on her right shoulder in December and has since successfully rehabbed the injury.
