GOLD Coast has suffered a significant blow ahead of the 2021 season with midfielder Jacqui Yorston rupturing her ACL at training.
The 20-year-old, who joined the Suns at the end of 2019 after four games with Brisbane, will miss the entire AFLW season as a result.
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Yorston will consult a specialist before deciding on the best course of action for her rehabilitation.
"It's incredibly unfortunate for Jacqui to have ruptured her ACL this close to the AFLW season starting," AFLW head physiotherapist Aaron Duffy said.
Head of women's football Fiona McLarty said the club was committed to providing Yorston all the support she requires during the rehabilitation period.
"Jacqui is an extremely valued player within our club and we know her absence will be a big loss for us this season," McLarty said.
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"She is a terrific character and we're confident Jacqui's resilient nature will hold her in good stead as she tackles her rehab."
Yorston made her AFLW debut for the Lions in 2019 and was awarded an AFLW Rising Star nomination after the round 6 game against Carlton.