Geelong’s VFLW side will be without forward Jordan Ivey for the remainder of the season after scans revealed she ruptured her ACL in the round two win over Seaford.
Ivey injured her right knee in the first quarter at Ocean Grove. While she didn’t return to the field, early signs were promising with coach Paul Hood optimistic of her returning after the bye.
But scans have since revealed the worst: a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
“I thought the doctor was joking,” Ivey said.
“My knee was still pretty sore throughout the week so I went and got an MRI on Wednesday and found out that night my ACL was gone.
“I struggled to believe it for a while.”
Ivey was leading for a mark and had her right leg planted on the ground when a Seaford defender ran into her from behind, causing her knee to hyperextend.
“I felt two cracks when it happened but wasn’t sure of the severity of the injury,” she said.
A member of the Cats leadership group, Ivey booted three goals in a best-on-ground performance in the Cats inaugural match against Box Hill and looked really exciting.
The 24-year-old made her AFLW debut with Carlton earlier this year after a whirlwind football journey.
The Bendigo local played state-league soccer before trying her hand at AFL when she moved to Ballarat for university, and quickly moved up the ranks.
“The Cats have been incredibly supportive already, so I know I’m in good hands to get through rehab,” she said.
“I’m looking at the injury as an opportunity to develop my football knowledge, and possibly help out with coaching - if Hoody can put up with me!”
Ivey met with doctors on Monday and will have surgery in the next fortnight.
Geelong’s VFL Women’s team coach, Paul Hood, said he and Ivey’s teammates were “really disappointed” that she will be sidelined for the next 12 months.
But they have rallied around Ivey in recent days.
“I know there were a bunch of girls that went and cooked dinner for her on the very first night after it was announced and she spent some time with the girls going to the footy to watch the Cats on the weekend,” Hood said.
“Everyone’s right behind her, trying to help her out as much as they can.
“She’s already really determined to get back around the club and complete her rehab here, and come back bigger and better than ever.
“She’s a pretty strong-willed person and a really impressive young lady, so really looking forward to supporting her over the next 12 months.
“She’s already agreed to basically come on as our fourth assistant coach to improve her knowledge of the game and she’s looking to see what she can gain from the next 12 months as well as just completing her rehab.
“She’s got a great attitude. It’s a shame that she wont be helping us on the field, but I’m sure she’ll become a really big part of our squad off the field now.
“She’s just that kind of person.“
