Port Adelaide midfielder-forward Jemma Charity will miss the upcoming AFLW season after scans confirmed a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her left knee. 

The 19-year-old had recently returned to full training after recovering from an ACL injury to the same knee in 2024, before suffering the setback during a training session in the second week of pre-season. 

Port Adelaide Head of AFLW Dan Merrett said the news was devastating for both Charity and the wider football program. 

“To suffer a season-ending injury so early in the pre-season is incredibly tough news for Jemma and the entire football club,” Merrett said. 

“She had put together a really strong off-season and was progressing well through the opening weeks of pre-season training. 

“Despite her young age, Jemma has shown remarkable maturity and dedication throughout her injury rehabilitation journey, and we’re confident she’ll attack this next phase with the same determination and professionalism.” 

Charity will undergo reconstructive surgery in the coming week before beginning her rehabilitation program at the club.