AFLW: Fremantle Dockers confirm Áine Tighe’s season is officially over

It’s officially season over for Fremantle forward Áine Tighe after sustaining another injury to her right knee in round nine.

The Dockers are still seeking further details in regards to the severity of the injury, which they believe involves the anterior cruciate ligament, with a specialist appointment on Wednesday.

However, Fremantle’s AFLW high performance manager Tom Sutherland said it was more to clarify her recovery time than to see if she could play again this season.

“We’ve been in constant review with some experts in the field about Áine’s recent knee injury,” he said.

“She has an important appointment tomorrow, where we will get a bit more information.

“For now, it does seem like the season will be over for Áine, which is really devastating for her.”

In brighter news, Gabby O’Sullivan is a chance to return in Saturday’s clash against Richmond after a lower leg injury.

“Gabby’s been tracking quite well, so she’s a test this week,” Sutherland said.

“If she gets through training, she’ll be available for some minutes this weekend.”

West Coast have labelled midfielder Abbygail Bushby as a test to face Sydney in their crunch Saturday clash after the 20-year-old reported calf tightness last week.

“Abby developed some tightness in her calf during the third quarter,” Eagles high performance manager Sam Batterton said.

“After an assessment from the medical team, we decided she would sit out in the fourth quarter.

“She will get a scan early this week to further assess, but at this stage she will be a test for this weekend.”

Experienced defender Belinda Smith is also tracking towards being available for a potential finals campaign.

“Belinda has made good progress with her hamstring,” Batterton said.

“She will be introduced back into drills next week, and we will look to build up her training exposure.”

The Eagles sit sixth on the ladder with the Swans one game behind them but with teams as far back as 13th still in the hunt for finals, a win at Henson Park takes on enormous significance if Daisy Pearce’s side are to reach their maiden finals series.