Collingwood AFLW star Brittany Bonnici sustains season-ending knee injury

Brittany Bonnici has become the second Collingwood AFLW player to have her season cut short by an ACL injury.

Bonnici went down in pain during the second quarter of the Magpies' 25-point victory over the Western Bulldogs at Victoria Park on Sunday.

«A torn ACL will see me sent to the sidelines for a while but every setback provides opportunity, I'm sure I'll find exactly that,» Bonnici wrote on Instagram.

«Some hard work ahead but I'm ready for the challenge.

»Thanks to everyone who’s reached out and got in touch. Can’t put into words how much the support means.

«Onwards and upwards from here.»

Bonnici joins Magpies co-captain Brianna Davey on the sidelines after the joint reigning AFLW best-and-fairest winner injured her knee in round one.

Collingwood's head of women's football Jess Burger said the Magpies were «hurting» for Bonnici.

«She is an incredibly strong leader of our club and this season she's taken her leadership to another level, having been without Bri and at times Steph [Chiocci],» Burger said in a club statement.

«She's continued to play some outstanding football this season and despite her injury, she should be extremely proud of what she has accomplished.

»Brit's professionalism and pride in preparation is second to none and I'm sure she'll continue these habits into her rehabilitation."

Bonnici will consult with her surgeon this week to plan out when to have her operation.

The number of AFLW players to have suffered anterior cruciate ligament injuries this season sits at eight.

Western Bulldogs ace Isabel Huntington and Brisbane Lions premiership hero Kate Lutkins are among those on the sidelines.

The Magpies are sixth on the ladder with a 5-3 win-loss record after eight rounds.

They are six points clear of the