Sydney FC and Westfield Matildas defender Ellie Brush has been ruled out for the rest of the Westfield W-League season after scans revealed a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in her knee.
Brush was injured in a clash for the ball in the final minutes of the Sky Blues’ 6-2 win over Perth Glory last Thursday night, and will undergo surgery following consultation with a specialist.
The 32-year old centre half has been an inspiration at the heart of the Sydney FC defence for the past two seasons and was on target for a second successive Westfield W-League Grand Final, as well as a spot in the Matildas squad for the Olympic Games in Japan later this year.
Brush expressed her anguish at being forced onto the sidelines.
“To say I’m devastated would be an understatement,” she said.
“I’ve worked extremely hard since joining Sydney FC to put myself in this position and to get injured in this way is a huge blow.
“Nevertheless, I’m determined to overcome this setback and want to get my recovery underway as soon as possible.”
Despite the prognosis the Sky Blues defender is confident her team-mates will continue their incredible run.
“Our girls have been phenomenal all season and have really stepped up to the plate when needed,” she said.
“I’m gutted that I won’t be able to be out there, but I know they have the capability and drive to go all the way and continue their remarkable season.
“Once I’ve had the surgery and I’m physically and mentally able to do so; I’ll be around the team as much as possible and do anything I can to help this fantastic group of girls.”
Head Coach Ante Juric paid tribute to the performances Brush has given to the club over the past two seasons and believes she still has a role to play.
“Ellie has been fantastic for us and is a big loss on the field,” he said.
“She will be given the best medical support and help with her recovery and I expect with her determination, she will come back stronger.
“Her experience and support off the field will be invaluable as we head into the final few weeks of the season.
“She can still make a big contribution and be an enormous help to our young squad.”
Brush was one of 23 footballers selected for the Women’s Talent Identification Camp run by Westfield Matildas Assistant Coach Mel Andreatta at the end of last year, with a view to the Tokyo Olympics 2021.
She has made almost 200 professional appearances across Australia, the United States and Norway in a 13-year career, since her debut in the inaugural W-League season captaining Canberra United aged just 20, in 2008.
