GEELONG'S crushing loss to Richmond on Friday night has been compounded by the news that star midfielder Olivia Purcell has suffered a ruptured ACL in her right knee.

The 20-year-old limped off the ground during the second quarter of the Cats' 47-point defeat at GMHBA Stadium.

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McKenzie kicks truly as star Cat suffers knee injury

Ellie McKenzie shows her football IQ and Olivia Purcell limps off in the hands of trainers

Purcell has been one of Geelong's shining lights since bursting onto the scene in 2019, and claimed All-Australian honours and the club best and fairest last season.

Geelong's head of AFLW Brett Johnson said the club will work out the next course of action for Purcell's surgery in coming days.

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"We are so disappointed, this isn't the news we hoped to hear. We will wrap our arms around Liv and continue to support her," Johnson said.

"We know she will tackle this challenge with strength and determination."

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