North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos defender Nicole Bresnehan has undergone surgery to repair a left ankle syndesmosis injury.
Bresnehan sustained the injury during the first half of Sunday’s loss to the Brisbane Lions and did not return to the field after half-time.
“This is obviously disappointing news for Nicole,” North Melbourne head of women’s football Nathan Hrovat said.
“She is an important part of our defence, providing plenty of run for us off half-back and a much loved and highly respected member of the playing group, highlighted by her elevation to vice-captain this season.
“Nicole is expected to miss at least six weeks, but we will have a better understanding of her return to play timeline as we monitor her rehab progress.”
In other injury news, youngster Cassidy Mailer has been ruled out for up to a month due to a thigh injury.
