Western Bulldogs young gun Izzy Huntington carried from field with serious knee injury
THE Western Bulldogs beat the Brisbane Lions but lost rising star Izzy Huntington to a knee injury. And the Bulldogs have confirmed the news isn’t good. VIDEO
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THE Western Bulldogs have lost rising star Izzy Huntington to a season-ending injury.
Huntington slumped to the turf during her side’s AFLW win over Brisbane on Sunday, and there were immediate concerns she had ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee when she had to be stretchered from the ground.
Today the Bulldogs confirmed Huntington, last year’s no.1 draft pick, would require a knee reconstruction.
“Everyone at the club is really hurting for Izzy,” coach Paul Groves said.
“We saw on Sunday just how talented a player she is, kicking two goals in as many minutes, and we were all shattered to see her go down injured.
“We will fully support Izzy during this difficult time and look forward to seeing her back out there as soon as possible.”
Huntington had just lit up the second term against the Lions, kickstarting her side and stamping her authority on the game when her right knee buckled as she sprinted towards the goal square to contest possession.
She fell to the turf and immediately clasped at the joint, with teammates and medicos rushing to her aid.
MATCH CENTRE: SCORES, STATS from LIONS v BULLDOGS
The young gun emerged from the change rooms in the third quarter, her right knee in a brace as she returned to the interchange bench on crutches.
The Western Bulldogs star’s injury is her second rupture of an anterior cruciate ligament - and the club’s second serious knee victim in as many weeks.
And that is a huge blow not only for the Bulldogs but also the AFLW competition.
Huntington is considered the next big thing in women’s football, many believing her natural talent will see her surpass the likes of Daisy Pearce as the biggest name in the game.
The fresh blow caps a disappointing opening fortnight of injuries for the AFLW competition.
Carlton captain Brianna Davey ruptured an ACL in her side’s AFLW win over GWS on Friday while Huntington’s Bulldogs teammate, Daria Bannister, also suffered a ruptured ACL in last week’s season opener and won’t play again in 2018.
Speaking after his side’s 5.3 (33) to 3.6 (24) win, an emotional Groves said the club felt for their injured stars.
“The kid’s done so much to get back to where she is,” he said.
“It’s a great win for the girls to really rebound from that in the second quarter but, there’s so many thoughts (going through my head).
“Daria had the operation yesterday and not we’ve got Iz as well, so we’ll back our two superstars in that they’ll recover and be a big part of this club for a long time.”
Huntington had only returned to competitive football this season after missing 2017 with an ACL injury to her left knee. She also suffered a broken right leg in 2015.
The Bulldogs overcame Huntington’s absence to hold off the Lions, who tried hard to fight back in the final term but never seriously threatened.
Carlton, Melbourne and the Bulldogs remain unbeaten after two rounds.
SCOREBOARD:
WESTERN BULLDOGS 0.1 4.2 4.2 5.3 (33) def BRISBANE LIONS 0.2 0.3 1.4 3.6 (24)
Goals: Western Bulldogs: I Huntington 2 A Utri H Scott J Bruton. Brisbane Lions: J Wuetschner 2 A Anderson.
Best: Western Bulldogs: Kearney, Lamb, Blackburn, Bruton, Huntington. Brisbane: Anderson, Bates, Zielke, Wuetschner
Venue: South Pine Sports Complex
Football is cruel. Hoping for the best for @izzyhuntington 🤞ðŸ½
— Tayla Harris (@taylaharriss) February 11, 2018
Footy can be so cruel. Fingers crossed for @izzyhuntington #AFLWLionsDogs
— Stephanie Chiocci (@Steph_Chiocci) February 11, 2018
2 goals in 2 minutes is special âï¸ Everything crossed for you @izzyhuntington #AFLWLionsDogs
— Chloe Molloy (@chloemollloy) February 11, 2018
Let’s all hope for the best for Izzy Huntington. She is a beauty. And an even better person @izzyhuntington â¤ï¸
— Kate Sheahan (@KateSheahan1) February 11, 2018
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