Chloe Molloy showcases toughness by returning to field after sustaining collarbone injury in VFL Women’s grand final
TOP draft prospect Chloe Molloy further endeared herself to AFLW clubs with a gutsy performance in Sunday’s VFL Women’s grand final.
Local Footy
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Footy. Followed categories will be added to My News.
TOP draft prospect Chloe Molloy further endeared herself to AFLW clubs with a gutsy performance in Sunday’s VFL Women’s grand final.
The Diamond Creek forward was crunched by Darebin Falcons on-baller Karen Paxman in the third quarter of the decider, suffering a suspected left collarbone injury.
Molloy, who finished as the VFL leading goalkicker in her debut season alongside Darebin’s Katie Brennan, was due to have scans on Sunday evening.
Holding back tears, she slotted Diamond Creek’s first goal before being helped from the field with her shoulder supported by a sling.
She spent most of the last quarter on the bench but re-entered the fray with about 10 minutes to play and the match in the balance.
Despite her evident distress, the rising star burst through a pack on the wing and booted the Creekers forward before her day was done.
Diamond Creek coach Scott Gowans lauded Molloy’s resolve.
“She showed us another attribute she has got — which is toughness,” Gowans said.
“What a player she is going to be.”
Despite being well held by Libby Birch before she was injured, Gowans said Molloy’s resilience would appeal to AFLW clubs.
Gowans said Molloy made the call to return to the field under duress after consulting with the club’s physio and her mother.
“She called up to the box. I thought about it, rang the physio and ticked it off with her mum,” he said.
“That was good enough for me. She’s a special player.”
While a collarbone injury can rule players out for up to 12 weeks, Gowans said Molloy would be fully fit in time for season two of AFL Women’s.
“The physio we have got, he reckons either way, she will be right,” he said.
“That’s what it is about, showcasing what you have got. Not just skill-wise, but what you bring as a person to a club.
“Any club looking at that would just go ‘wow’.”
Diamond Creek went down by seven points against Darebin Falcons in the VFL Women’s grand final, 5.5 (35) to 4.4 (28).
Ranked: The top 70 local footy clubs of 2024
After a stunning year of local footy we’ve ranked our top 70 clubs as the best in Melbourne. Did we get it right? See who we say is number one and lodge your own vote.
Why in-demand great chose country club as flag Cats reunite
Steve Johnson had plenty of suitors after him, but one contender stood out. The Geelong great opens up on his move, reuniting with his former teammates and the recruits in his sights.