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Kate Sheahan suffers heartbreaking injury in AFLW debut

Collingwood player Kate Sheahan was carried off the field in tears after suffering a sickening injury just minutes into her AFLW debut.

The Pies climbed off the bottom of the ladder with the 5.2 (32) to 3.7 (25) win, but were left shell-shocked by a serious knee injury suffered by Sheahan.

A scoreless second quarter for the Pies ended in disaster when Sheahan's left leg buckled under her as she attempted a quick change of direction with less than a minute left.

Heartbreaking. Image: Channel 7
Heartbreaking. Image: Channel 7

A late inclusion in the match, Sheahan had only just made her way onto the ground after starting on the bench.

With her father, respected veteran journalist Mike looking on, Sheahan was inconsolable as she was carried from the ground.

She emerged later on crutches and with her left knee heavily taped and managed to join in with post-game celebrations.

Image: Collingwood Magpies/Twitter
Image: Collingwood Magpies/Twitter

The 35-year-old has undergone 12 orthopedic surgeries in her career prior to Saturday night.

Carlton AFLW skipper Lauren Arnell expressed sympathies for Sheahan in commentary

"I had a little bit to do with Kate over the last six months," Arnell told Channel 7.

Kate and Mike Sheahan. Image: Twitter
Kate and Mike Sheahan. Image: Twitter

"AFL is a sport she's always loved and to have an opportunity to come back to it and give it a go — and then to see that happen tonight, it is quite sad."

Scans on Monday will determine the severity of her injury.

with AAP