Adelaide midfielder Abbie Ballard will miss the rest of the 2023 AFLW season after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her left knee during the Crows’ win over the Bulldogs on Friday night.

Ballard was involved in a contest in the second quarter at Norwood Oval and did not return to the field.

Adelaide Head of Women’s Football Phil Harper said scans on Saturday confirmed the injury, which will require a reconstruction.

“It’s obviously shattering news for Abbie and the team,” Harper said.

“She has worked extremely hard in the off-season to improve her fitness and play more minutes in the midfield this year so to have her season cut short is disappointing.

“We know Abbie will approach her rehabilitation with a positive attitude and work hard to come back bigger and better next season.”