Sunshine Coast Lightning has confirmed that mid-courter, Ava Black has sustained a knee injury that will rule her out of the 2025 Suncorp Super Netball Season.
The 21-year-old suffered an injury during a court training session last week, where scans later revealed she had ruptured ACL in her right knee.
Sunshine Coast Lightning Head Coach Belinda Reynolds said she was devastated for the young player.
“I am absolutely heartbroken for Ava, who has been working incredibly hard this pre-season to prepare for the season ahead,” she said.
“This is a huge loss for our group, and now we are focussed on providing Ava with the care and support she needs through her comeback training.
“Ava has a bright future ahead of her and I know this setback will only make her more determined to come back stronger than ever.”
Black will undergo reconstructive surgery in the coming weeks before beginning the rehabilitation process.
A permanent replacement player will be named in the coming weeks.
