Darcy Vescio sidelined by a knee injury and will miss AFLW State of Origin clash

CARLTON AFLW star Darcy Vescio has injured her knee and will miss next month’s State of Origin match but the Blues believe the forward will be right for the AFLW pre-season.

STAR Carlton forward Darcy Vescio will miss the AFLW’s State of Origin clash next month after injury her PCL in the VFL women’s competition.

Vescio, last year’s AFLW leading goal kicker, injured her knee playing for VFLW ladder leader Darebin, but has avoided surgery.

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She has her leg in a brace but the Blues expect her to be fully recovered in time for the start of pre-season training in November.

“(It’s) disappointing for Darcy to be sidelined for approximately the next six to eight weeks with a PCL injury but she will apply herself fully to the recovery and rehabilitation process to be fit in time for the start of our pre-season campaign,” Blues coach Damien Keeping said.

Darcy Vescio marks in the goal square & kicks a goal against the Bulldogs in AFLW01 Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Melbourne’s Shelley Scott also injured her knee playing for VU Western Spurs at the weekend.

Scott is expected to miss six to eight weeks, but be ready to start AFLW pre-season training.

Victoria play the Allies at Etihad Stadium on the Saturday night of the AFL pre-finals bye round.

The match will feature Western Bulldogs captain Katie Brennan who will play for the Allies. Brennan has worked her way into brilliant VFLW form, kicking seven goals last week for Darebin against St Kilda Sharks, after an ankle injury cruelled her debut AFLW season.

Katie Brennan celebrates the Bulldogs AFLW Round 1

Collingwood forward Moana Hope wasn’t selected in the Victorian side, but has made a contribution for her new VFLW club Melbourne Uni, kicking three goals at the weekend and named in the best.

The State of Origin clash will be broadcast live on Channel Seven and Foxtel.

Nine-point goals will awarded for scores kicked from outside 40m.

The AFL teams who have won a spot in the 2019 women’s league are expected to be announced later this month while the AFLW Draft will be held on October 18.

AFLW STATE OF ORIGIN

Saturday, September 2 at Etihad Stadium, 7.40pm (EST)

VICTORIA

Sarah Perkins (Adel), Kaitlyn Ashmore (BL), Lauren Arnell, Bri Davey, Alison Downie, Sarah Hosking, Nicola Stevens (Carl), Steph Chiocci, Jasmine Garner, Jamiee Lambert (Coll), Kara Donnellan (Frem), Jess Dal Pos, Alicia Eva (GWS), Karen Paxman, Daisy Pearce, Lauren Pearce, Mel Hickey, Lily Mithen, Jasmine Grierson (Melbourne), Ellie Blackburn, Emma Kearney, Hannah Scott (WB)

THE ALLIES

Chelsea Randall, Ebony Marinoff, Courtney Cramey, Stevie-Lee Thompson (Adel), Sabrina Frederick-Traub, Emily Bates, Emma Zielke, Jess Wuetschner, Kate McCarthy, Leah Kaslar, Sam Virgo (BL) Tayla Harris (Carl), Emma King (Coll), Ebony Antonio, Kirby Bentley, Dana Hooker (Frem), Erin McKinnon, Emma Swanson, Renee Tomkins (GWS), Elise O’Dea, Bianca Jakobsson (Melb), Katie Brennan (WB)