Essendon will be without defender Sophie Van De Heuvel for the remainder of the 2024 AFLW Season.

Van De Heuvel suffered a PCL strain in her knee during the final quarter of the Bombers’ Week Five game against Melbourne on Friday.

Head of Medical Services Megan Smith said the club is disappointed for Van De Heuvel after her strong start to the year.  

“We are all incredibly disappointed that Sophie will miss the rest of this AFLW season. She’s worked so hard and has been playing great footy,” Smith said.

“Sophie injured her knee in a contest during the final quarter on Friday, and given the limited time left in the game, she didn’t return to the field. We then fully assessed her knee, with scans revealing that she’s suffered a high-grade two PCL strain.

“We will explore all options for Sophie’s recovery and will look to build towards 2025.”

In more positive news, Bonnie Toogood, Emily Gough and Brooke Brown are all tracking well in their recoveries.

Toogood and Gough are in line to play later this week in the Bombers’ week 6B match, while Brown aims for a week seven return.