YOUNG Bulldog Daria Bannister has ruptured the ACL in her left knee and will miss the rest of the season.
The 18-year-old from Launceston injured her knee while tackling an opponent in the fourth quarter of the Bulldogs' 26-point win over Fremantle on Sunday in her debut game.
Scans on Tuesday confirmed the news, which was suspected after she had left the ground on a stretcher and had her knee in a brace post-match.
Bannister was selected with pick 19 in last year's NAB AFL Women's Draft.
"Daria played a really integral role this Sunday," coach Paul Groves told westernbulldogs.com.au.
"She was really influential in the forward line and solidified herself as a fast-moving small forward, which was really pleasing to see.
"We'll do everything we can to help Daria through her recovery."
Before the season had started, Bannister had told AFL.com.au she was relishing having the opportunity to play at the elite level.
"It's definitely so surreal. I pinch myself everyday that I'm here. All the girls are very welcoming and I'm happy to be here and start the season," Bannister said at the club's season launch.
"We've been training so hard for this and working on all our structures. It was so good to get out there and play [a practice match against Carlton].
"I knew it was going to be a big step up in the physicality and structures and everything, but you don't understand how hard the girls hit till you get out there."
