Season over for Kangaroos AFLW star after spinal fusion surgery

Mia King remains in Queensland after successful surgery to fuse the C5 and C6 vertebrae in her neck. King, part of the Kangaroos' 2024 premiership win, felt neck pain after her team's win over Brisbane last weekend. North Melbourne's club doctor says King is not expected to miss next season. Two-time AFLW premiers North Melbourne have lost midfielder Mia King for the season after she required spinal fusion surgery for a neck injury. The premiership midfielder reported neck pain following North's win over Brisbane Lions last weekend. King underwent a thorough medical examination in Brisbane, which revealed a disc injury near her spinal cord. She remains in Queensland recovering after having successful surgery to fuse together the C5 and C6 vertebrae in her neck. The Kangaroos confirmed the procedure would sideline King for the rest of the 2026 season. "We will continue monitoring Mia in her recovery but we don't expect this type of surgery to stop her from returning to play in 2027," club doctor Victoria Norbury said in a statement. King was part of North Melbourne's premiership-winning team in 2024, but she missed out on last year's grand final win after an ongoing PCL knee injury. The Kangaroos are again at the top of the ladder after two rounds this season, with the best percentage in the AFLW. North Melbourne general manager of women's football Erin Lorenzini said the club would support King as she began her recovery. "We wrap our arms around Mia," Lorenzini said. "We are devastated for her, but also full of admiration for how incredibly strong she has been this week. "As a proud Jawoyn woman, she was particularly looking forward to wearing our Indigenous Round jumper in Launceston this weekend. "We have a very close group of players and staff, and all our thoughts will be with her as we run out against the Bulldogs on Saturday."