Injury update: Eddy sidelined indefinitely, Bruce, Ravaillion ruled out

The Vixens reveal Kate Eddy will be monitored over the coming weeks and will complete a reloading program before returning to the court, while Lighting and Firebirds replace key players.

Melbourne Vixens have disclosed the extent of defender Kate Eddy’s leg injury, revealing she suffered a cracked fibula which is set to sideline her for an indefinite period.

Eddy sustained the injury in the Vixens’ round five win over the New South Wales Swifts and she has been sidelined for the team’s past two games against the Sunshine Coast Lightning and the top-of-the-table win over the West Coast Fever.

The Vixens confirmed on Friday Eddy would miss again this round when the team takes on the Giants at John Cain Arena on Saturday.

The team has not yet provided a return timeframe for Eddy, but said her bone healing was progressing well and she would start a graduated reloading program across the next few weeks.

Kate Eddy has been sidelined indefinitely after suffering a cracked fibula. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

In Eddy’s absence, Jo Weston lined up at wing defence last week against the Fever with Emily Mannix moving to goal defence and Rudi Ellis played goal keeper.

Meanwhile Queensland clubs the Firebirds and Lightning also have injury blows, with current and former Diamonds Courtney Bruce (Sunshine Coast) and Kim Ravaillion (Firebirds) ruled out this week.

Bruce will miss a fourth consecutive week with a calf injury, missing the rematch against her old club West Coast Fever, when the top of the table side heads to UniSC Arena on Saturday night.

It’s a blow for the Fever, who will miss Bruce’s knowledge of key Fever goaler Jhaniele Fowler, although her one-on-one work with rising defensive star Ash Ervin will be on display when the 203cm ‘keeper goes up against the 208cm Jamaican.

In a boost for the Coast though, Ava Black returns from an ankle injury to boost the midcourt, while Shannon Eagland remains in the side as Bruce’s ‘replacement.

“Ava has been working hard to rehab her ankle and I’m excited she’s been cleared to play this weekend against the Fever,” Lightning coach Belinda Reynolds said.

“Courtney has been progressing really well and while we’re disappointed she’s not back this weekend, Shannon has done an excellent job at playing her role for the team.”

Courtney Bruce will miss her fourth game in a row. Picture: Will Russell/Getty Images

Kim Ravaillion is coming off back surgery in December and is now recovering from a lower leg injury. Picture: James Worsfold/Getty Images

Ravaillion, who played limited minutes in the first half of the season after back surgery in December, will miss Sunday’s clash against Adelaide Thunderbirds with a lower leg injury.

Ravaillion will be replaced in the game day squad by Firebirds Futures talent Jess Milne, a goal defence/wing defence specialist.

“At this stage Kim will work with the medical team to complete a graded return to play,” Firebirds coach Bec Bulley said.

“She’ll be assessed next week to determine her ongoing availability but the most important thing now is that she gets right as soon as possible.

“While we’ll miss her on Sunday, I’m confident in Jess and know she’ll step up when needed.”

Young defender Isabelle Shearer has also been ruled out of Sunday’s game due to a quad issue, with nominated player Ali Miller coming into the matchday 10.

“The team we’ve selected has the ability to play multiple positions across the court, giving us the versatility to cover several options,” Bulley said.

Both Milne and Miller will make their SSN debuts should they take the court on Sunday.

Originally published as Injury update: Eddy sidelined indefinitely, Bruce, Ravaillion ruled out