Midfielder Emma Swanson will miss the remainder of the 2019 NAB AFL Women’s competition due to a shoulder injury.

The marquee signing landed awkwardly during the GIANTS’ loss to North Melbourne at Drummoyne Oval a fortnight ago and scans have revealed the damage to the defender’s shoulder is worse than initially feared.

“We sent her to have an MRI through the club doctor and unfortunately she had a tear to one of the ligaments in her shoulder,” said GIANTS AFLW Head Physiotherapist Gemma Vale.

“We’ve had a few opinions from specialists and surgeons and the consensus is that she’ll be out for the rest of the season.”

The 23-year-old is expected to have a lengthy rehabilitation period.

“She’ll have surgery, so she’ll do some rehab with us and stick around with the playing group. 

“We’re hoping to have her ready in six to nine months after the stabilisation surgery ... we’ll be looking to have her ready for the pre-season of 2020.” 

Meanwhile forward Aimee Schmidt is progressing well in her recovery from an elbow injury suffered in the opening minutes of the GIANTS’ round one clash with Brisbane. 

“Aimee’s going better than we expected, she had a dislocation and ruptured a number of ligaments,” Vale said. 

“She’s been in a brace for the past two weeks and will see a specialist next week. 

“Hopefully if she’s progressing well, we’ll be able to get her out of the brace and maybe get her back for the final games of the season.” 

The GIANTS play Collingwood in Morwell, east of Melbourne, on Sunday before returning to Sydney to take on Melbourne at Blacktown International Sportspark on Sunday, March 3.