CARLTON has been dealt another blow to its player availability with young utility Lucy McEvoy out of action for the start of season seven after undergoing shoulder surgery. 

While the injury rules the 21-year-old out of the first few weeks, the club hopes to get McEvoy back in the middle of the season depending on how her rehab progresses. 

"Lucy's surgery went well and we are hopeful she will be fit to play by the mid-point of the season," Carlton's general manager of women's football Brett Munro said. 

"Lucy's contribution to the team is so much more than her on-field performance, and she will continue to be a valuable presence around the club while completing her rehab.

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"While Lucy is disappointed to miss the beginning of the season, she has the full support of the program and we look forward to seeing her back on field later this year." 

McEvoy, who was taken with pick No.2 in the 2019 NAB AFLW Draft. will join Brooke Walker on the sidelines for the early part of Carlton's season, with Walker unavailable while she plays in the NRLW for the Parramatta Eels.