Draftee Scarlett Johnson will miss the 2026 NAB AFLW Season, after the 18-year-old suffered a ruptured ACL during the GIANTS’ match simulation against the Brisbane Lions.
Johnson was involved in a minor on-ball incident during the first quarter of the simulation last Saturday, with scans over the weekend confirming the extent of the injury.
A forward who can also play through the midfield, Johnson was taken from the Northern Knights with pick two of the 2025 Telstra AFLW Draft.
Head Coach Cam Bernasconi reiterated the club’s commitment to Johnson, expressing the deep sympathy felt by the entire club for the talented teenager.
“We’re all devastated for Scarlett, who had put together an incredible pre-season and looked ready for AFLW-level football,” Bernasconi said.
“We are all behind her, and I’ve reiterated that as hard as it may feel in this moment, she has the full support of the club and the GIANTS family, as she enters this period of rehab.
“I know that she will come back a stronger, smarter footballer who will make an immediate impact upon her return.”
Johnson met with a surgeon on Tuesday morning to determine the next steps for surgery and rehabilitation.
