GOLD Coast forward Kalinda Howarth will miss the remainder of the AFLW season after scans confirmed she has torn her anterior cruciate ligament.

Howarth suffered the injury at training earlier this week with her absence for the rest of the season a huge blow to Gold Coast's hopes of making the finals.

The 24-year-old will meet a specialist before undergoing surgery to repair the ligament.

“It’s devastating news for Kalinda, who has been an integral member of the Gold Coast Suns since the team’s inception into the AFLW competition, and is a graduate of our Suns Academy,” Gold Coast head of women's football Fiona Sessarago said in a statement.

“What’s important is now ensuring Kalinda is provided all the support she needs throughout her rehabilitation and we look forward to seeing her return to the field stronger than ever.”

Howarth has booted 20.15 across her 35-game career.

Gold Coast, who opened the season with a two-point loss to Carlton, host West Coast on Saturday.