MELBOURNE AFLW player Sarah Lampard has been dealt a devastating blow after scans revealed on Sunday afternoon that she had ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament during Melbourne’s two-point loss to the Western Bulldogs at VU Whitten Oval on Saturday night.
AFLW football operations manager Kimberley Morton said Lampard would miss an extended period of time, after only returning to the team for what was its final match of the season.
“Unfortunately, scans have confirmed this morning that Sarah has torn her anterior cruciate ligament, which she injured during the second quarter of our game against the Western Bulldogs at Whitten Oval on Saturday night,” she told melbournefc.com.au.
“Having spent the entire season in the rehab group, recovering from a hamstring injury, this is a shattering blow for Sarah, who has been so diligent and determined in her rehab.”
“Sarah is an extremely popular figure around the club, and I know the club and staff will give her all the support she requires. I have no doubt that Sarah will come back bigger and better from this setback next year.”
Although shattered by her news, Lampard was optimistic about her future in the game.
“Obviously I'm devastated about the outcome, but I'm sure I'll come out the other side a better person for it,” she said.
“Fortunately, I've got a great support crew behind me. The entire family at Melbourne, from players to staff, have been incredible already with their positivity and support during my recent stint in rehab, with my hamstring - and I know they'll be there during this next phase.”
“Melissa Hickey, Ainslie Kemp and I will be able to support and challenge each other during our rehab to get the best out of ourselves and return stronger in 2019.”
Melbourne’s season came to an end this weekend, after a nail-biting finish, when the Bulldogs sealed victory in the dying stages.
