MELBOURNE will go into the finals series without star rebounder Sinead Goldrick, after the Irishwoman underwent surgery on her troublesome hamstring.
Goldrick missed a game earlier this year with hamstring tightness, but tore the tendon against Fremantle.
Krstel Petrevski had already been ruled out for the season back in round two with a hamstring injury, but also underwent surgery after re-tearing the muscle.
"It was a devastating blow for Sinead, who has quickly become a much-loved, respected, and very important member of our team. Her elite speed and fierce competitiveness will be missed as we head into the finals next week," Melbourne AFLW football boss Daniel McPherson told melbournefc.com.au.
"We are grateful that Sinead was able to get the corrective surgery done so swiftly. This gives her the opportunity to start a structured rehab program sooner than would otherwise have been the case, under the watchful eyes of our medical team, before heading back to Ireland later in the year."
Carlton has everything to play for this week, but is unable to select two defenders who picked up injuries last round in the VFLW.
Maddy Guerin (concussion) is out this week, while Brooke Vernon (ankle) is sidelined for two. The latter has had a rough trot with injuries, having been making her return from a five-week calf injury.
Mimi Hill (ACL) is the club's sole long-term injury.
THE RUN HOME Who will snatch the last finals spot?
Star Richmond draftee Tessa Lavey will miss the Tigers' last game for the season due to Olympic training camp commitments with the Australian Opals.
Lavey – who had only one season of junior footy behind her before this year – has impressed with her athleticism and her booming kick, averaging 11 disposals in a hard-running role.
Fellow Tiger Alana Woodward will not play an AFLW game this year, with a calf injury having now sidelined her since January.
Tanya Hetherington and Aimee Schmidt (ankle injuries) are pressing their cases at Greater Western Sydney's training this week in the hope of making the round nine team.
AFLW FIXTURE Check it out here
Gold Coast speedster Tori Groves-Little is expected to be available for selection after missing a week with concussion, while talented midfielder Ellie Hampson is a chance to play her first AFLW game of the season after making her return from a foot injury through the QAFLW.
It's some rare good injury news for the Suns, who have Annise Bradfield and Jacqui Yorston (both ACLs), Sarah Perkins (MCL) and Jamie Stanton (fractured ankle) on the long-term injury list.
The Western Bulldogs will be without key back Hannah Scott against Richmond, having sprained her ankle in the final quarter against Adelaide last week.
But the Dogs will be looking to bring back Kim Rennie for their final game of the AFLW season, after the ruck overcame a two-week ankle injury.
Deanna Berry (ACL), Ange Gogos and Lauren Spark (both ankle) are the remaining injuries on the Dogs' list.
St Kilda's tough second AFLW season will draw to a close with a lengthy injury list.
Nat Exon (shoulder) and Kate McCarthy (stress reaction in her leg) have run out of time to re-join the team, while Selena Karlson's Achilles battles are ongoing.
Rebecca Ott (knee), Liv Vesely (calf) and Nicola Xenos (ACL) were previously ruled out.
Speedy winger Claudia Whitfort partially dislocated her shoulder in the VFLW last round, but is a chance of playing this weekend after scans cleared her of damage.
North Melbourne key forward Brooke Brown will join Jenna Bruton on the sidelines through suspension, having been given a one-match ban for rough conduct in the VFLW.
On the injury front, the Roos are still without Alice O'Loughlin (ankle) and hamstrung pair Britt Gibson and Elisha King, the latter definitely ruled out for the season.
Along with three season-long injuries – Jordan Membrey (ACL), Lauren Butler (hamstring), and Jordan Allen (foot) – Collingwood has two players who require tests in order to be cleared to play this week.
Tall utility Bella Smith has a calf complaint, while recruit Abbey Green is just one test away from playing for the first time this year, having nearly overcome a lingering knee injury.
GET YOUR TICKETS Why you must secure your seat in advance
Fremantle defender Evie Gooch has had issues with her back this year, and needs to pass a test in order to play this weekend, whether that's at AFLW or WAFLW level.
The Dockers have drawn a line through Aine Tighe's season; the athletic Irishwoman is yet to make her official debut after an ACL ended her 2020 season and a knee injury cruelled this year's hopes. Leah Mascall (ACL, season) is also on the injury list.
Geelong's cursed run with injury to talented youngsters has continued, with the versatile Denby Taylor set to consult a specialist this week for her AC joint (shoulder) injury.
There are just two players sidelined on Adelaide's injury list, which had swelled considerably earlier this year. Maddy Newman is a test with a shoulder complaint, while Nikki Gore is out for the season with a fractured ankle.
DREAM STREAM How to catch every AFLW match in 2021
Aisling McCarthy is still a chance to feature in West Coast's final game for the season, needing a test after copping a knock to her knee against Richmond.
A host of other Eagles also require tests in order to play, including Belinda Smith, Shanae Davison, Beatrice Devlyn and Katelyn Pope, but Maddy Collier will miss with concussion.
There's a small injury ward at Brisbane, with long-termer Lily Postlethwaite (ACL) the major concern.
Did you head to the footy over the weekend? Tell us your thoughts! Take the survey now
