{
  "id": 3928836,
  "title": "Season over for Kangaroos AFLW star after spinal fusion surgery",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/season-over-for-kangaroos-aflw-star-after-spinal-fusion-surgery",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-28T09:06:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-28/season-over-for-kangaroos-aflw-star-after-spinal-fusion-surgery/107092352"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mia King, an accomplished midfielder for North Melbourne's women's AFLW team, has been sidelined for the remainder of the 2026 season following successful spinal fusion surgery. The injury occurred after North Melbourne's victory over Brisbane Lions last weekend, when King reported neck pain. A thorough examination in Brisbane revealed a disc injury near her spinal cord, specifically between the C5 and C6 vertebrae in her neck.\n\nKing, a key player who contributed to North Melbourne's 2024 premiership win, is expected to make a full recovery and return to play in 2027, according to the club's doctor, Victoria Norbury. Despite the setback, North Melbourne remains at the top of the AFLW ladder after two rounds, boasting the best percentage in the competition. General manager of women's football, Erin Lorenzini, expressed deep admiration for King's resilience and pledged unwavering support throughout her recovery.",
  "summary": "AFLW premiership midfielder Mia King of the Kangaroos undergoes season-ending spinal fusion surgery after feeling neck pain after a match in Brisbane.",
  "key_points": [
    "Mia King sidelined for 2026 season after spinal fusion surgery",
    "Disc injury between C5 and C6 vertebrae in neck",
    "Expected full recovery and return to play in 2027"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "ABC News",
        "title": "Season over for Kangaroos AFLW star after spinal fusion surgery",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/season-over-for-kangaroos-aflw-star-after-spinal-fusion-surgery-3932667",
        "published": "2026-08-28T09:06:57.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}