GREATER Western Sydney's star Irish import Cora Staunton faces an uncertain NAB AFL Womens' future after suffering a horrific broken leg on Saturday.
Staunton, 37, was playing for UNSW-ES Bulldogs in the AFL Sydney Premier Division Women’s competition when she was injured in a tackle midway through the third quarter.
The game was called off after the injury, with GWS and UNSW-ES Bulldogs ruck Ingrid Nielsen – a full-time paramedic – assisting until the ambulance arrived.
Initial scans confirmed the forward broke both the tibia and fibula bones in her right leg.
She underwent surgery on Monday, with a timeframe for her rehabilitation and return yet to be established.
It is a massive blow for Staunton, who recently signed a new contract with the Giants for the 2020 AFLW season along with fellow Irish recruit Yvonne Bonner.
Staunton has been a star of the Giants' AFLW line-up over the past two seasons, kicking 11 goals across 14 games.
The Irish forwards are doing damage for the @GWSGiants!
— AFL Women's (@aflwomens) February 16, 2019
Cora Staunton with a very nice finish 🍀#AFLWGIANTSBlues #AFLW pic.twitter.com/C7JDVoS433
An Irish sporting legend, Staunton was recruited from Gaelic football side Mayo, where she won four All-Ireland Finals and three Ladies' National Football League titles.
She was taken in the 2017 AFL Women's Draft at pick 47, as the first international recruit to the AFLW.
