STAR Melbourne defender Mel Hickey will miss the rest of the AFLW season after she ruptured the anterior crucial ligament in her left knee. 

Scans on Monday morning confirmed the worst, with the 33-year-old to undergo a knee reconstruction.

The injury occurred in the third term of Melbourne’s win over Carlton on Sunday. 

In an innocuous incident, Hickey was left clutching her knee as she fell to the ground in a contest. 

She left the field in tears and did not return. 

After the game, a distraught Hickey was comforted by teammates. 

"I am keen to do whatever I can to support the girls this week and the weekend leading into an important game for our club," she said in a statement on Monday.

"I have so much love and belief for our group of girls and will play any part I can to help.

"The support I've received from the players, coaches and staff – and the fans – has been overwhelming and I can't thank them enough for that."

The injury is a huge blow to Melbourne's premiership aspirations, with Hickey such a crucial part of their defence. 

With one round remaining in the home and away season, the Dees must defeat ladder leaders the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night if they want to secure a place in the Grand Final.