North Melbourne star Mia King's season is over, after medical tests revealed a neck injury requiring spinal fusion surgery this week.
The premiership midfielder reported neck pain in the aftermath of last weekend's Round 2 win over the Lions. She remained in Queensland after the game to undergo a thorough medical examination, which revealed a disc injury near her spinal cord.
King had successful surgery in Brisbane this week to fuse together the C5 and C6 vertebrae in her neck, and she remains in Brisbane recovering.
Club AFLW doctor Victoria Norbury said the procedure would sideline King for the rest of the 2026 season.
"We will continue monitoring Mia in her recovery but we don’t expect this type of surgery to stop her from returning to play in 2027," Dr Norbury said.
North Melbourne general manager of women's football Erin Lorenzini said the club's focus was on supporting King as she begins a lengthy rehab process.
"We wrap our arms around Mia," Lorenzini said.
"We are devastated for her, but also full of admiration for how incredibly strong she has been this week.
"As a proud Jawoyn woman she was particularly looking forward to wearing our Indigenous Round jumper in Launceston this weekend.
"We have a very close group of players and staff, and all our thoughts will be with her as we run out against the Bulldogs on Saturday."
