PERTH, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 05: Courtney Rowley of the Eagles leaves the field injured during the AFLW Round 8 match between West Coast Eagles and Collingwood Magpies at Mineral Resources Park on October 05, 2025 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Janelle St Pierre/Getty Images)
BREAKING: West Coast Eagles midfielder Courtney Rowley may require a second knee reconstruction following a distressing incident during her team’s historic 45-point win over Collingwood in the AFLW. The injury occurred in the second quarter when Rowley landed awkwardly during a marking contest, leading to immediate concerns about her health.
Eagles’ coach Daisy Pearce confirmed the club’s fears, stating, “It looked pretty serious. You could tell by her response that it seems a significant one.” Rowley, just 22 years old, had previously missed the entire 2023 season after suffering a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in the last game. The team is rallying around her during this challenging time, emphasizing their commitment to support her through rehabilitation.
Despite the injury, the Eagles celebrated their first five-win season and a new record for the largest winning margin. However, the mood shifted quickly as thoughts turned to Rowley’s condition, which Pearce described as a significant concern, particularly in a competition where such injuries are common.
The victory propelled the Eagles to sixth position on the ladder, surpassing Adelaide after their surprising loss to Richmond. West Coast is on track for finals, but Pearce stressed that the focus remains on consistent performance rather than dwelling on past achievements.
“There’s a healthy expectation that we expect ourselves to turn up and compete with anyone,” Pearce said. She noted that the team no longer feels the need to celebrate breaking records, instead focusing on continuous improvement.
Looking ahead, West Coast faces a crucial match against Adelaide on Saturday, with playoff implications on the line. The Eagles’ recent performance reflects a significant shift in team mentality, and while the injury to Rowley is a setback, Pearce remains optimistic about the team’s resilience.
As the situation develops, fans and players alike are hopeful for Rowley’s swift recovery. The team is committed to supporting her through the rehabilitation process, and Pearce believes that Rowley’s determination will see her return stronger than before.
Stay tuned for further updates on Rowley’s condition and the Eagles’ upcoming match as they aim to solidify their place in the finals.
