BREAKING: West Coast Eagles midfielder Courtney Rowley may require a second knee reconstruction following a disturbing injury during her team’s historic 45-point win over Collingwood on October 14, 2023. The injury occurred in the second quarter when Rowley landed awkwardly during a marking contest, leaving her in evident distress.
The Eagles achieved a significant milestone by winning five games in a single season for the first time, but immediate concerns shifted to Rowley’s condition after the injury. The 22-year-old previously missed all of the last season after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the final game of 2023.
Eagles coach Daisy Pearce expressed her fears about Rowley’s potential setback. “It looked pretty serious. She obviously couldn’t play out the rest of the game. You could tell by her response that it seems a significant one. She’s a tough competitor,” Pearce stated. She added, “It’s always a fear when someone goes down. We hope we get away with one. But if not, knowing our rehab team and what Courtney’s like, she’ll come back better.”
The win propelled West Coast to sixth place on the AFLW ladder, overtaking Adelaide after the Crows suffered a shocking loss to Richmond. As the Eagles prepare for a decisive match against Adelaide this Saturday, the team remains optimistic regarding their finals prospects.
Pearce emphasized the team’s growth, stating, “I’m really glad no one is talking about the history anymore. There’s a healthy expectation that we expect ourselves to turn up and compete with anyone.” With the pressure mounting, the Eagles are determined to maintain their focus on improvement and consistency, rather than dwelling on past challenges.
As fans await further updates on Rowley’s condition, the immediate focus for West Coast will be their upcoming match against Adelaide, which could be crucial for their playoff ambitions. The situation is developing, and supporters are urged to stay tuned for more information.
This unexpected injury adds a layer of urgency to the Eagles’ campaign as they strive to solidify their place in the finals. Rowley’s resilience will be tested once more, and her journey back to the field will be closely watched by fans and teammates alike.
