Melbourne Mavericks have been rocked on the eve of the Super Netball season by the loss of England international Eleanor Cardwell, who underwent further knee surgery last week.
Cardwell initially underwent surgery in October after she aggravated an existing injury during the series between the Australian Diamonds and England Roses.
She was targeting a return for the Mavericks' round-one clash with Sunshine Coast Lightning on April 5 in Melbourne.
However the Mavericks announced on Tuesday that the 30-year-old was required to go under the knife, delaying her participation in the 2025 season.
Cardwell didn't give a timeline for her recovery.
"It's a little disappointing in terms of the fact that I'll now miss the first part of the SSN season," Cardwell said in a statement.
"However, for the longevity of my career and my long-term contribution to the Mavs, I know that this is the best way forward.
"Everyone's really positive with how the surgery went last week, so I'll continue to do all I can to contribute to the team in an off-court role in the meantime."
Just missing the finals in their first year in the competition last year, finishing fifth on the ladder, the Mavericks have endured a horror injury run.
Goaler Sasha Glasgow snapped her leg during a practice match in the 2024 pre-season, while defender Lauren Parkinson (nee Moore) suffered an ACL tear a month later, also missing the campaign.
Glasgow partnered with Shimona Jok in the goal circle during the Super Netball pre-season tournament, with the pair the likely starters in round one.
Tongan shooting international Uneeq Palavi is tipped to be elevated from training partner to replace Cardwell.
