ST KILDA has confirmed an ACL injury to vice-captain Rhiannon Watt after landing awkwardly in a ruck contest in the first quarter of the side’s win over Gold Coast on Sunday. 

Her side enjoyed the first goal of the game through Nicola Xenos early, and Watt fell to the ground at the preceding centre stoppage, requiring assistance from trainers to exit the field.  

Ruck duties were then shared by Kate Shierlaw, Caitlin Greiser and Jacqui Vogt for the remainder of the game, with Leah Cutting still on the sidelines. 

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Saints suffer big blow with vice-captain helped off

St Kilda has been dealt an early injury concern with spiritual leader Rhiannon Watt hurt in this ruck contest

Watt debuted back in 2019 for Carlton, playing two games for the Blues before moving to St Kilda ahead of the 2020 season through expansion, and has played 22 of a possible 23 games for the Saints. 

“This is a very disappointing situation for both Rhi and the club, and we are all really feeling for her,” the Saints' head of AFLW Tessie McManus said.
 
“Rhi has an incredible way of galvanising her team mates both on and off the field, and brings such value to our side both as a player and a leader.
 
“While this is a significant setback, Rhi has the support of the whole Saints family behind her as she undertakes her rehab.”

It comes as Collingwood confirmed an ACL injury to star Brittany Bonnici.

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