Hurley sidelined for season after week-long AFLW comeback
Sydney Swan Sofia Hurley has been ruled out for the season after bone stress in her shin flared during her comeback.
Sofia Hurley's comeback from an ankle injury lasted just one match before scans revealed bone stress in her shin, forcing her out for the season. Hurley had returned ahead of schedule.
Carlton faces a finals boost with Claudia Whitfort set to return from a hamstring injury for their semi-final against Hawthorn. North Melbourne's Alice O'Loughlin has been cleared of serious knee damage, though teammate Amy Gavin Mangan underwent hand surgery after breaking her hand in the qualifying final.
Melbourne is likely to regain three players for next week's preliminary final, while Geelong's Priya Bowering is a chance to return early from a foot injury.
- Sofia Hurley, Sydney Swan
- Player
- Bone stress in shin
- Injury
- One match
- Duration
- AFLW finals
- Phase
Why it mattersInjury setbacks and comebacks reshape team strength during finals, changing odds and squad balance at the competition's most critical stage.
AustraliaAFLW finals teams are cycling players in and out; Hurley's premature exit weakens Sydney, while Carlton's reinforcements improve their semi-final chances.
