Mikayla Western Injured Before Finals Campaign

West Coast’s AFLW finals hopes have taken a significant hit as forward Mikayla Western has been confirmed to have torn her ACL during training, sidelining her for the remainder of the season and potentially much of 2026. The 27-year-old, who played 11 games this season, will undergo surgery next week. Western’s injury follows a similar setback for teammate Courtney Rowley earlier this season. Despite her absence, West Coast anticipates the return of defender Jess Rentsch for their upcoming elimination final against Carlton.