Carlton forward and AFLW leading goalkicker Darcy Vescio will be sidelined with injury for the 2017 NAB AFL Women’s State of Origin match in September.

Vescio was named in the original Victorian side, which will take on the Allies during the Celebration of Football Week on Saturday 2 September at Etihad Stadium.

The 24-year-old suffered a PCL injury in a recent VFLW game, and will miss the next six to eight weeks of football at any level.

The star forward will not require surgery and is expected to be fit to recommence pre-season training for the Blues’ upcoming AFLW pre-season campaign.

“It’s disappointing for Darcy to be sidelined for approximately the next 6-8 weeks, but she will apply herself fully to the recovery and rehabilitation process to be fit in time for the start of our pre-season campaign in early November,” AFLW coach Damien Keeping said.

Danielle Hardiman has also been sidelined from the State of Origin clash, with the pair being replaced by fellow Blues Lauren Arnell and Sarah Hosking.

The NAB AFL Women’s State of Origin match will be broadcast live nationally on the Seven Network and FOXTEL/FOX FOOTY. Entry to the match will be free of charge. 

The State of Origin squads were initially based on the 2017 Virgin Australia AFL Women’s All Australian squad. Selection is based on where players are born, not which state they are currently playing in.