Tasmania captain Meghan Gaffney will miss the entire VFLW season after rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament in the club’s practice match against Carlton at Ikon Park last week.

Gaffney was assisted from the field following a marking contest in the third quarter, with scans revealing the unfortunate news of an ACL injury for the former GIANT.

This is the third time that Gaffney has been dealt the cruel injury blow, with the 23-year-old only returning to the field earlier this year after completing her recovery from an ACL injury suffered on her opposite knee in 2025.

Tasmania’s Head of Football Operations, Aaron Pidgeon, said the club was shattered for Gaffney and will be supporting her through her rehabilitation.

“We’re absolutely shattered for Meghan, particularly given the commitment and hard work she has put in over the past year to get back,” Pidgeon said.

"She’s an outstanding character and has shown enormous resilience and positivity to get back before and we’re positive she’ll do it again.

“The entire program will be behind Meghan every step of the way during her recovery and she’ll no doubt continue play to a pivotal role for the club off the field this year.”