FREMANTLE ruck Aine Tighe will be out for an extended period of the 2021 NAB AFL Women's season after an arthroscopy last week revealed a significant medial meniscal tear in her left knee.

Unfortunately the latest setback comes after the Irish recruit injured her ACL on the same knee last summer in a pre-season fixture, which resulted in her missing the 2020 season.

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General manager of football and performance Joe Brierty said the injury was clearly very disappointing for Tighe and Fremantle.

"We are devastated for Aine after the ACL injury she sustained last year. Everyone was excited about what Aine would have contributed to our 2021 campaign," Brierty said.

"Aine is very resilient and dedicated, which was evident last year when she remained in Australia post-season to use the club's facilities to ensure she completed the best possible ACL rehabilitation.

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"Unfortunately for Aine and the club, the timing of the injury means it is unlikely that we’ll see her play in 2021.

"The club will continue to support Aine through her rehabilitation and we know that she will do everything to recover as quickly as possible."