AFLW 2024: Bryde O’Rourke sidelined for three weeks, Geelong name extended squad for Sydney

A Geelong father-daughter selection will miss multiple weeks after injuring her shoulder on debut. Plus, two in mix to debut for Cats in Sydney.

Geelong’s Bryde O'Rourke played three quarters of her debut with her shoulder strapped. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Geelong father-daughter pick Bryde O’Rourke will be sidelined for at least three weeks following a collarbone injury she sustained on debut.

O’Rourke suffered the injury minutes after stepping on the field in the Cats’ eventual 18-point loss to Fremantle on Tuesday, with her left shoulder hitting the ground hard after laying a tackle.

The 18-year-old played out the second and third quarters with her shoulder strapped, but would finish the fourth quarter on the bench.

Geelong assistant football boss Brett Johnson said O’Rourke had an undisplaced fracture which did not require surgery.

He said the club was hopeful the first-year Cat would be available for selection in a few weeks’ time.

“It was an unfortunate injury for Bryde,” Johnson said.

“She has remained upbeat and we now work through what the coming weeks look like for her in terms of a return-to-play plan.”

It means the Cats will make at least one change for Sunday’s away clash against Sydney, with Georgie Rankin, Bella Smith, Chantal Mason and Brooke Plummer all added to an extended bench.

The final team will be announced on Friday, with Smith and Mason both pushing to make their debuts for the club, with Mason, picked up in last year’s draft, in line to make an AFLW debut.

Meanwhile, Smith will look to add to the one game she played for Brisbane before being traded to the Cats ahead of the 2024 season.

Originally published as AFLW 2024: Bryde O’Rourke sidelined for three weeks, Geelong name extended squad for Sydney