SYDNEY has been dealt a double blow ahead of it second AFLW season, with co-captain Maddy Collier and new recruit Hayley Bullas ruled out of next season with injuries.

Collier ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament at training, while Bullas sustained a partial tear to her anterior crucial ligament in a WAFLW match for Swans Districts.

Collier will undergo surgery before commencing a rehabilitation program and is expected to return for next year's AFLW campaign.

Sydney AFLW general manager Kate Mahony said it's a major setback for both Collier and the team.

"We are all really feeling for Maddy. Ever since she has arrived at the club, she has been such a valuable asset to our playing group and to have her miss the entire 2023 season is a really big loss," Mahony said.

"What is more disappointing is knowing that Maddy had followed our injury risk reduction programs diligently. It was just an unfortunate incident to have occurred.

"We will do everything possible to ensure Maddy is supported during her rehabilitation and can return to playing as soon as possible."

Collier played 15 games as an inaugural Greater Western Sydney player and added 19 matches at West Coast. The 27-year-old made the switch to Sydney for its inaugural season in 2022 and played five games.

The 2022 Sydney Swans AFLW Leadership Group: Maddy Collier, Brooke Lochland, Alana Woodward, Bec Privitelli, Lisa Steane and Lauren Szigeti. Photo: Phil Hillyard

Collier said she is determined to put her best foot forward and help the team thrive during the club's second season in the AFLW competition.

"It's obviously incredibly disappointing but unfortunately it's now one of those things I can't control," Collier said.

"I can't thank the entire club enough for how supportive they have been. I know I have a long road to recovery, but I know I am in the best place possible to come back bigger and better.

"While I won’t be representing the red and white on the field, I'll be doing everything possible to support the playing group and help them have the best season possible."

Bullas was plucked out of Essendon's VFLW team by West Coast in 2019 as an expansion signing and played 30 games for the club before being delisted after season seven.

Hayley Bullas handballs during a West Coast training session on July 2, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

Bullas joined the Swans as a Delisted Free Agent over the off-season but had remained in the West while she played for WAFLW team Swans Districts.

Both players are expected to return for the Swans' 2024 campaign.