Essendon superstar Bonnie Toogood will miss the majority of the AFLW season after scans confirmed she suffered a knee strain during a sickening collision with Bombers teammate Amber Clarke.
Toogood will be sidelined for up to eight weeks after hurting her MCL when running into Clarke during the second quarter of Essendon's round-one defeat to Fremantle at Windy Hill on Saturday.
Clarke was concussed in the incident, but she has avoided any neck damage or facial fractures after being assessed in hospital on Saturday night.
"It’s extremely unfortunate for Bonnie and Amber to have to spend time on the sidelines," Essendon's medical boss Megan Smith said.
"The incident was a heavy clash between the two players, with both showing extreme commitment to the ball.
"While we are disappointed that Bonnie will be out for a significant part of the season, we are relieved that there is no damage to her ACL.
"Bonnie will commence rehab with the aim of returning later in the year."
Toogood's absence is a major blow for Essendon's hopes of building on a breakthrough finals appearance last season.
Essendon are not putting any timeline on Clarke's return, but she could technically be available for the Bombers' round-three match if she exits the concussion protocols on time.
