ST KILDA has suffered a blow on the eve of the NAB AFLW season, with talented young forward Nicola Xenos tearing her left ACL.
The 19-year-old, who played all six games for the Saints last year, suffered the injury at training on Wednesday night and has been ruled out for the year.
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Xenos booted just one goal in 2020, but averaged 9.3 disposals and her pace made her a real weapon forward of centre.
"Nicola had been training very well and we were all really looking forward to seeing her out there this year," Saints head of women’s football Jamie Cox said.
"It's really disappointing, especially on the eve of the season, and our thoughts are with Nic.
"We have no doubt she will attack her rehab with the same toughness and enthusiasm she brings to our group.
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"Nic has an incredibly supportive family, so with all of them as well as the whole Saints family behind her, we're sure she'll be back as soon as possible."
St Kilda hosts the Western Bulldogs on Friday night at RSEA Park, and will field a host of debutants, including father-daughter selection Alice Burke (whose father Nathan will be coaching the Dogs), top-10 draftee Tyanna Smith, forwards Renee Saulitis and Jacqui Vogt and the hard-running Tahlia Meyer.
