Netball star Liz Watson has been forced to have season-ending surgery on her foot

Just a month out from the new season and a first home game in more than 12 months, the Vixens have lost their co-captain to a serious injury.

Vixens co-captains Kate Maloney and Liz Watson along with coach Simone McKinnis raise the winners trophy aloft last year. Picture: Michael Klein

Reigning Super Netball champions the Melbourne Vixens have been dealt a massive blow after star Liz Watson was forced to undergo season-ending surgery on her foot.

Watson, who as co-captain played a massive role in the Vixens’ triumph last season, had surgery on Wednesday to repair the navicular bone in her foot.

The 27-year-old, who captained Australia against New Zealand earlier this month, has been managing a longstanding foot injury for the duration of her career.

But the injury has now deteriorated to the point that surgery is the only option, a month out from the season start on May 1.

Watson said she was shocked that she would need season-ending surgery but would work hard to get back as soon as possible.

“I was really enjoying the pre-season and looking forward to playing in Melbourne again this year,” she said.

“This news came as quite a shock, but speaking to the surgeon, it was clear that this had to happen now for me to get back out there and play.

“The medical staff at the Vixens and Diamonds have been great in helping me manage this injury, and I thank them for the support so far and know I’m in good hands for my recovery.”

The news we never want to have to deliver 😔 Liz Watson will miss the 2021 @SuperNetball season after having surgery today on the Navicular bone.

🗞️ Read more: https://t.co/5GFRkBqZ3rpic.twitter.com/T8tdUrcxiM

— Melbourne Vixens (@MelbourneVixens) March 30, 2021

Sending our love to @watson_lizzy following the news she will miss the 2021 @SuperNetball season💚💛

We've got you💎168

Full details - https://t.co/eOEm1iO9xQpic.twitter.com/KWUPexLeKy

— Origin Diamonds (@AussieDiamonds) March 30, 2021

Diamonds coach Stacey Marinkovich said she was “devastated” when she heard the news.

“We are obviously devastated with Liz’s injury. She is an incredible player and has been an integral part of the Diamonds for some time now,” she said.

“She is an absolute professional and I know she will use this time to continue to evolve herself as a player in different ways and, when the time is right, will return to the court.

“I know she is surrounded by a great team of experts both at the Vixens and Diamonds, and we look forward to seeing Liz back on court bigger and better.”

The Vixens open their 2021 season with a grand final rematch against the West Coast Fever at John Cain Arena.

Originally published as Netball star Liz Watson has been forced to have season-ending surgery on her foot