Australian football is rallying around Hana Lowry after the Sydney FC rising star suffered a cruel knee injury in the days following her first ever Matildas call-up.
The midfielder was in agony and limped out of her side’s A-League clash with Melbourne City on the weekend, with Sydney immediately crossing their fingers.
But scans have since confirmed Lowry suffered a ruptured ACL that has now robbed her of linking up with the Matildas and pressing her case further this season.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today
“This isn’t how I wanted my season to go, but I’m taking it as a challenge to grow both mentally and physically,” Lowry said in a club statement.
“The support from my teammates, coaches and the whole Sydney FC family has been overwhelming, and it’s already keeping me focused on what’s ahead.
“I’ve really loved every minute of playing for Sydney FC, even though it has only been for a few games, and I can’t wait to get back.”
Lowry’s family had only recently travelled from their hometown Perth to watch her play for Sydney, with her mother staying east to help out in the wake of the injury.
Lowry is in her first season with the Sky Blues after arriving on the scene as a teenager at Perth Glory five years ago.
Named Perth’s club champion in 2023-24, she pushed herself out of her comfort zone by joining Sydney in the hunt for finals football, trophies and a Matildas call-up.
It took just a few months for Lowry to end up on the radar for an international debut — one that has now been delayed indefinitely.
“We’re all absolutely devastated for Hana,” Sydney FC coach Ante Juric said.
“She’s been incredible for us this season and was just starting to show her full potential.
“Being selected for the Matildas recently was a testament to her hard work and talent.
“To see her season cut short like this is truly heartbreaking but Hana is strong, and we’ll do everything in our power to support her recovery.”
Lowry has already begun leaning on Sydney captain Nat Tobin, who only recently returned from her own ACL tear, and Kirsty Fenton as she continues to recover from the same injury.
“Nat has been incredible, both as a leader and someone who understands exactly what I’m going through,” Lowry said.
“She’s shown me what’s possible with hard work and resilience. Kirsty, too, has been a great support, and I know we’ll be leaning on each other during our rehabs.”
Lowry’s injury adds to a difficult build-up to the Matildas’ clashes with Brazil and Chinese Taipei.
Fellow first-time squad members Isabel Gomez and Natasha Prior were also injured on the weekend, with the latter quickly cleared to join camp.
Before the squad was named, Cortnee Vine announced an indefinite break from football to work on her mental health.
Mary Fowler then withdrew after being selected to prioritise her mental and physical health while Katrina Gorry and Clare Wheeler were ruled out with shoulder and leg injuries.
Matildas officials confirmed Fowler would not be replaced but have since acted by calling on Melbourne City’s Leah Davidson to join her first training camp earlier than planned.