Richmond recruit Montana McKinnon and Western Bulldogs defender Mua Laloifi have both been ruled out for the AFLW season after suffering the dreaded ruptured ACL in the same practice game.
McKinnon, 23, twisted her left knee when she was tackled innocuously in the second quarter of Saturday's match simulation.
Laloifi, 31, also injured her left knee in the second term of that contest.
Both players will require knee reconstructions, ending their seasons before they even begin - joining the likes of Fremantle skipper Ange Stannett and West Coast recruit Matilda Sergeant on the sidelines.
Former Crows ruck McKinnon, who missed out on Adelaide's 2022 grand final triumph through suspension, crossed to Richmond ahead of the upcoming season and had shown great promise.
"Montana has made such a great start to her time at Richmond since relocating to Victoria and has impressed everyone with her natural ability, athleticism and work ethic," Richmond AFLW boss Kate Sheahan said.
"To have her first season with us end this way is very disappointing for Montana and us all, but we know she will bounce back from this terrible luck.
"We will all get around Montana and offer her all the support she needs to return even better in 2025."
Fan favourite Laloifi was due to play her second season at the Bulldogs after an impressive first campaign since crossing from Carlton.
"As a program and as a club, we’re all devastated for Mua – for it to happen in a match simulation on the eve of the season too is just incredibly unfortunate," Bulldogs women’s football boss Patrice Berthold said.
"Mua had put in a mountain of work this pre-season and was set for an impactful campaign, so we’re heartbroken for her.
"We’ll wrap our arms around Mua and support her in every way possible as she begins her road to recovery."
