Setback for Crows AFLW star Erin Phillips as she undergoes more surgery on reconstructed left knee

Adelaide Crows star Erin Phillips has been dealt a blow in her recovery from a knee reconstruction after undergoing minor surgery on the injured left joint on Wednesday.

BAD BREAK: Erin Phillips (middle) is consoled by co-captain Chelsea Randall after breaking down in Adelaide’s AFLW grand final win against Carlton in March. Picture: DANIEL KALISZ (Getty Images).

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Crows AFLW star Erin Phillips has suffered an injury setback, undergoing more surgery on the left knee she had reconstructed following the club’s grand final win in March.

On the comeback trail and hoping to lead her team in its round one clash with the Brisbane Lions on February 8, Phillips felt pain in her knee at training on Saturday morning.

After seeing a specialist, the dual premiership captain and dual AFLW best and fairest winner had minor arthroscopic surgery on Wednesday to repair a small meniscus tear.

Crows general manager of football administration Phil Harper said such incidents were “quite common’’ after suffering an ACL injury and that he hoped it wouldn’t delay her comeback to the game.

Phillips last week said she was eyeing a round one return.

“It’s a slight setback for Erin but it’s not uncommon to have minor irritations in returning to play after ACL reconstructive surgery,” Harper said.

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Erin Phillips screams in pain after hurting her knee in this year’s AFLW grand final. Picture: Kelly Barnes (AAP)

“While Erin is keen to play as soon as possible, we will be guided by the club’s medical team in conjunction with Erin on her return to play.”

Phillips is expected to resume training with her teammates when they return to the club in the New Year.

The 34-year-old had only just returned to Australia after spending the winter in the United States, working out at the Michael Johnson Performance Centre in Dallas.

The greatest player the AFLW has seen, Phillips – who had previously had her right knee reconstructed – said she had “doubts’’ about recovering in time for next season, but never seriously contemplated retirement.

“I still love being an athlete and there’s a few more premierships to win,’’ she said.

The Crows have already lost Phillips’ co-captain Chelsea Randall to a knee reconstruction for next season after she broke down at training.