CARLTON forward Mia Austin will be sidelined for the remainder of the AFLW season after suffering a serious leg injury at training.
Austin broke her fibula and suffered an ankle syndesmosis injury during a match simulation session with her teammates on Thursday night.
Scans on Friday revealed the extent of the injury, ruling the 18-year-old out for the rest of the season.
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Austin's setback continues a devastating run of injuries in the AFLW.
Gold Coast vice-captain Jamie Stanton, Eagle Kellie Gibson, Brisbane defender Lily Postlethwaite, St Kilda's Jayde Van Dyk, Giants defender Pepa Randall, and Hawthorn's Tamara Luke have all suffered ACL injuries this year.
Star Port Adelaide recruit Gemma Houghton will miss at least six weeks after she underwent ankle surgery on Tuesday.
Western Bulldogs utility Brit Gutknecht broke her tibia and fibula when an opponent fell across her leg.
Austin, the No.18 pick from the 2022 draft, had enjoyed a strong start to her AFLW career, kicking two goals from as many games.
"Mia has already shown exciting signs in the first two games of her debut season, some terrific pack marks and a clear goal sense that will only develop over the coming years," Carlton's general manager of women's football Brett Munro said in a statement.
"To see her now sidelined for the rest of the year is clearly disappointing for Mia but we see her as a long-term player for Carlton."
Carlton (1-1) is back in action when it takes on winless Port Adelaide at Ikon Park on Sunday.
