Launceston United striker’s triumphant return from double knee reconstruction

After playing just 27 minutes over the past three seasons, Launceston United striker Montana Leonard has opened up on her emotional journey through two knee constructions as she made a perfect return to the pitch.

Back-to-back knee reconstruction haven’t stopped Launceston United’s Montana Leonard from continuing to chase her professional dream.

The Canadian born striker Leonard played her first full game in over three years after suffering two major knee reconstructions since February 2022.

United dominated the opening round match against Taroona 6-0 with Leonard coming on in the 70th minute scoring two goals.

Leonard said it was a mix of emotions running on and scoring.

“I ran on and kind of felt what am I doing here?,” Leonard said.

“But I settled in quite quickly and it was definitely good to have a run, I felt a bit like a golden retriever who had been let off the leash.

Launceston United striker Montana Leonard coming on for her first game since returning from her second knee reconstruction, scoring two goals in the club’s 6-0 win over Taroona. Picture: Heather Reading

“It felt good and scoring those goals gave me the confidence and relief that I needed.

“I saw it hit the back of the net and instantly all my teammates were around me hugging and I thought it was a bit of relief more than anything to know I can still do it.

“Because during the long rehab you definitely get those thoughts and doubts in your mind if you are still able to do what you did before.”

After making the move over to Tasmania in 2022. with Leonard played her first game for United in February where the striker had a minor tear in her right knee.

Thinking it was a major tear, Leonard flew back to Canada and went into have the full reconstruction only to have it cleaned out.

In September 2022, while coming back from surgery, Leonard full ruptured her right knee at training, with the procedure for a full reconstruction taking place in February 2023.

Launceston United striker Montana Leonard played her first game back from her second knee reconstruction, scoring two goals in the clubs 6-0 win over Taroona. Picture: Heather Reading

After doing the full 12 months of rehab, Leonard played in the Summer Cup in March 2024.

Seven minutes into the second game, Leonard injured her left knee, having only played just 20 minutes in game one against Devonport.

The 26-year-old would go under the knife for a second full reconstruction in April.

“I knew pretty quickly and everyone said to not assume the worst but I think once you’ve done it you sort of know,” Leonard said.

“You don’t want to go to worst case but sometimes with all the sound, the feeling and swelling, you know.

“After I did the left one it was pretty hard, because it is quite heartbreaking to do it straight after the right one.

“So there was a lot of time before I got the surgery that I went and saw my sports psych.

“It is really hard mentally and I think it is hard to describe to someone or people who haven’t necessarily gone through a bad injury.

“But having the team I do around me really helped because I had a lot of support and it is really good to have that support system.

“Being away from home definitely made it hard but I have been here for a few years now, I have my partner and his family and also the girls, they are like my second family.

“That did make it easier than being away from my family.”

United coach Al Ollington said to see what Leonard has gone through and now achieved is a credit to her resilience.

“It was really special for the club (to have Leonard back in the side) because she came in over three years ago and has had the injuries,” Ollington said.

“So it is a really big thing for the club and she is a really important player for our team.

“The group we have is super supportive of one another and welcoming of anyone new to the group as well.

“It was really pleasing to see the team make the most of their opportunities and Montana’s first goal was definitely a highlight as well, it was an absolute cracker from outside the box.

“Everyone single one of the players got around her and there were plenty of screams from the sidelines as well.”

The soon to be 27-year-old from Vancouver will look to continue to get her game fitness up and help United chase down a championship this season before potentially looking at joining the Canadian Pro League.