Melbourne forward Casey Sherriff to miss AFLW finals with broken arm

A Melbourne star will miss the entire AFLW finals series, while the Demons have provided an update on another key player.

Melbourne forward Casey Sherriff will miss the AFLW finals series due to a broken arm. Picture: Albert Perez / Getty Images

A broken arm has ruled out Melbourne forward Casey Sherriff for the rest of the season in a blow that further complicates the Demons’ premiership defence.

After coughing up top spot and the rights to a home Grand Final to Adelaide on the weekend, the Demons confirmed the 25-year-old would miss the finals series, but revealed more promising news for star midfielder Paxy Paxman, who could be available for the qualifying final against North Melbourne.

Sherriff, who played all 10 home and away games this season, came from the field holding her left arm during Melbourne’s loss to Brisbane on Saturday night, with scans confirming she had suffered another fracture.

Casey Sherriff will miss the entire finals series with a broken arm in a cruel blow after playing all 10 home and away games. Picture: Dylan Burns / Getty Images

The 25-year-old has played with a protective guard on the arm since she first broke it in April last year.

Melbourne head of high performance Sam Batterton said the injury was “really unfortunate”.

“Casey came off with that arm injury, it’s something she’s had before and unfortunately, she has sustained a fracture again,” Batterton said.

Demons ruck Rhi Watt has entered the concussion protocols after a sling tackle which will put Brisbane’s Dee Heslop before the tribunal on Wednesday night with potentially an equal record-high three-week suspension.

Melbourne is hopeful Paxy Paxman can overcome hamstring tightness in time for Sunday afternoon’s qualifying final against North Melbourne at Ikon Park. Picture: Dylan Burns / Getty Images

But Batterton said Paxman could play against the Kangaroos at Ikon Park on Sunday after she was a late withdrawal from the Lions clash with hamstring tightness.

“During the warm-up, Paxy mentioned that she had some hamstring tightness,” he said.

“But she has pulled up really well, so she’ll train this week and if she ticks a few boxes, look to be available on the weekend.”

Paxman hit the track at Melbourne’s open training session on Tuesday along with experienced utility Maddi Gay (hamstring) and speedy Irish forward Aimee Mackin (ankle), who are both set to be available for selection in the first final.

Gabby Colvin (Achilles) and Sarah Lampard (wrist) will remain sidelined for at least a fortnight, the Demons said.