Star forward Nicola Xenos will miss the remainder of St Kilda’s 2025 season after sustaining an ACL rupture.

“This is very disappointing news for Nicola, who has worked incredibly hard in rehab this year, putting together some really strong performance since returning in Round 7,” GM AFLW Jessie Mulholland said.

“We’ve seen this group come together and show resilience week after week as we’ve worked through a number of season-ending injuries.

“This week is another challenge for us, but we’ll rally around Xen as our focus remains on putting our heads down and getting to work against the Dogs.”

Meanwhile, versatile midfielder Charlotte Simpson is eyeing a return to the senior side this weekend. The 21-year-old has been sidelined for the past two rounds under concussion protocols, and will be required to pass a fitness test during the Saints’ main session on Thursday to be available for selection.

Positively, Olivia Vesely is edging closer to a return as she completes the final stages of her calf rehabilitation. The dynamic midfielder could be in the mix for selection should the Saints progress to finals.

St Kilda will face the Western Bulldogs in the final game of the home-and-away season this Sunday at 3.05pm at RSEA Park, as the Saints look to secure a historic first AFLW finals berth.

INJURY LIST

Simpson | Concussion | Protocols

Vesely | Calf | 1-2 weeks

Xenos | ACL | Season

Ott | Achilles | Season

Jakobsson | Leg | Season

McDonald | Leg | Season

Richards | Leg | Season

Fiedler | ACL | Inactive