AFLW finals: Essendon star Bonnie Toogood ruled out of finals opener against Fremantle

Fremantle have been handed an early boost in their quest for AFLW finals success, with Essendon star Bonnie Toogood ruled out of Saturday’s clash between the two clubs.

The Bombers had been hopeful Toogood would be passed fit to return for the elimination final at Fremantle Oval, following her ankle injury from last weekend’s win.

But the club on Monday morning confirmed her season was over, with scans revealing a syndesmosis setback for the 26-year-old.

“We are shattered for Bonnie after she suffered an ankle injury in the first quarter of Saturday’s game against the Blues,” Essendon medico Megan Smith said.

“After an initial assessment, we decided it was best not to have Bonnie return to the field in order to give her the best chance to play should we make the finals. However, scans yesterday confirmed she had suffered a high-grade two syndesmosis injury in her ankle.

“We will seek further advice from a surgeon. However, the recovery time for this type of injury is usually around five weeks, which means Bonnie will miss the remainder of our finals series.”

Speaking the day after her injury on Sunday, Toogood had pledged to do everything possible to be cleared to feature in the finals opener.

“The ankle just got caught under me for a second there as I grabbed the footy and I dished off the handball,” Toogood told Fox Sports.

“It is feeling a lot better. As you can see when I was on the bench, I was emotional because I was in a little bit of pain and concerned as well.

“But today it is feeling better. I’ve already done multiple ice buckets, 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. I’m a good healer.

“But I’ll do everything within my power. I will leave no stone unturned to make sure that I put myself up for a chance.”

It caps a rough campaign for Toogood, who missed the first half of the season due to an MCL injury.

Fremantle are considered a warm favourite to win just the third final in the club’s history, and will be high on confidence against the Bombers after a resounding 43-point victory in the sides’ last meeting in round one.