Western Bulldogs forward Kirsten McLeod will not feature at all during the 2022 AFLW season, with concussion forcing the 27-year-old to the sidelines.
Having played in each of the Dogs' first five campaigns, and leading the club for goals during their 2020 schedule, McLeod's loss will be felt within head coach Nathan Burke's locker room.
McLeod stated on Friday that while the news she would be unable to add to her 30-games in red, white and blue this summer was "shattering", the ability to take time with her recovery was welcomed.
"Time away from playing footy will allow me to make my health and wellbeing my number one priority," the Cranbourne product was quoted by Womens' AFL.
"As much as I’m shattered to be missing the 2022 season, this break will allow me to build and work towards being as healthy and fit as possible for 2023 onwards."
The announcement of McLeod's placement onto the club's inactive list comes less than 24-hours after the Whitten Oval side stated they would be unable to field a 16-person team for this weekend's clash with the Cats.
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The contest originally scheduled to take place on Saturday night at GMHBA has since been postponed until a later date.
While McLeod's potency within the forward arc will be missed by the 0-1 Dogs, train-on player Jemima Woods has been elevated onto their 30-person roster.
Within a statement released on Friday afternoon, Western Bulldogs AFLW Head of List Management and Recruiting Mick Sandry paid praise to the efforts of Woods in earning her chance.
“Jemima is someone who has been involved with our program at the Dogs for quite a while now,” he said.
“She is a young, developing talent who has thrived over the past couple of months as a train-on with our AFLW team.
“Her strong marking and ability to hit the scoreboard makes her a really exciting prospect for us this season.”
As a tall forward with three goals during the Dogs' recent practice math, the 18-year-old will also offer Burke with further coverage following the Round 1 loss of Izzy Huntington to a second ACL injury.
