Key defender Danielle Hardiman has been ruled out for the last game of the AFLW season after suffering a syndesmosis injury in the Blues’ match against Fremantle on Friday night.
Hardiman underwent surgery earlier this week and senior coach Damien Keeping said the Blues would look to welcome back the 22-year-old in their AFLW 2018 campaign.
“She was operated on yesterday and all went well. She won’t play this week but we’re eager for her return and we look forward to seeing what she can offer the Club in season 2018,” Keeping said.
“Danielle should be really proud of what she has achieved this year on an individual level. She came into the Club highly regarded but she has taken her game to a new level this year.
"Intercept marking and her communication within the backline has been exceptional – she would clearly be in All-Australian contention based on her performances so far.”
The Blues take on ladder-leader Brisbane at Ikon Park for the final game of the inaugural AFLW season on Sunday 19 March at 3:35pm.
