North Melbourne winger Amy Smith will miss the upcoming AFLW season after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her left knee during training.
Smith, who finished fourth in last year's Club Champion Award after her best season to date, underwent successful surgery this week to repair the ligament.
Senior physiotherapist Billy Williams said Smith will have the team's full support as she begins her rehab.
“As we know with ACLs, they are a long-term injury and Amy will miss all of this season," he said.
"She's incredibly popular in our group and we know she will approach her rehab the right way."
Forward Vikki Wall is closing on a return to training after spraining her right ankle during the club’s recent pre-season community camp in Tasmania.
Wall, who kicked seven goals in her 12 games for the Kangaroos last season, is a fortnight away from full fitness.
"Vikki has banked a couple of good running sessions together now," Williams said.
"We expect her to be back training with the group very soon."
Veteran midfielder Nicole Bresnehan has rejoined training as she continues her recovery from the ACL injury that ended her 2025 season.
Bresnehan, who underwent surgery on her left knee in September, is “tracking really well” Williams said.
"Nicole has had a fantastic offseason diligently working away at her rehab.
"She is currently integrating back into training with her teammates, and we'll look to make more specific return-to-play decisions as we get closer to the season."
Irish forward Amy Gavin Mangan will face a short spell on the sidelines after scans last week revealed a low-grade strain to her right hamstring.
"It's a relatively minor strain that we expect to recover really quickly," Williams said.
"She will be in the rehab group for a week or two before returning to the full team program."
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North Melbourne will launch its AFLW premiership defence with a double-header against Geelong at Marvel Stadium in the weekend of August 13-16.
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