MELBOURNE’S worst fears have been confirmed, with scans revealing Melissa Hickey has ruptured her ACL.

Hickey left the field in tears midway during the third term of the Demons’ 35-point win over Carlton at Ikon Park on Sunday afternoon.

While she returned to the bench with what appeared to be ice on the medial side of her left knee, scans on Monday revealed Hickey as the latest victim of the injury.

AFLW football operations manager Kimberley Morton confirmed the news in a club statement.

Round 18

“Unfortunately, scans have confirmed this morning that Mel has torn her anterior cruciate ligament, which she injured during the third quarter of our game against Carlton at Ikon Park on Sunday,” she told the club website.

“Although it is extremely disappointing for Mel, as she is a much-loved figure around our club, she will still play an important role in the lead-up to our final home and away round against the Western Bulldogs at VU Whitten Oval on Saturday night, and our quest to play in this year’s AFLW Grand Final.

“Mel will be given all the support she needs, as she starts her recovery for 2019. We know she will come back bigger and better from this setback next year.”

Hickey, who was an inaugural marquee player and is Melbourne’s vice captain, said she had appreciated the support of the football community after suffering the injury.

“I am keen to do whatever I can to support the girls this week and the weekend leading into an important game for our club,” she said.

“I have so much love and belief for our group of girls and will play any part I can to help.

“The support I’ve received from the players, coaches and staff – and the fans – has been overwhelming and I can’t thank them enough for that.”

THE RUN HOME: FIVE TEAMS VYING FOR GRAND FINAL

Mel Hickey. Photo: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

The AFLW has been awash with ACL injuries in 2018, with Carlton skipper Brianna Davey and No. 1 draft pick Isabel Huntington headlining the casualties.

Hickey missed a year of footy in 2012, after rupturing her ACL in 2011.

While it’s well known females are up to five times more likely than men to sustain an ACL injury, those odds increase another sixfold once a player has already undergone a knee reconstruction.

Melbourne meets the Western Bulldogs on Saturday in what can only be described as a preliminary final.

Barring other freak results, the winner of the match will proceed to the Grand Final.

The Demons will also be sweating on the fitness of speedster Aliesha Newman, who finished Sunday’s match on the bench, after receiving attention to her lower back and groin.

Reinvented defender Bianca Jakobsson (quad) could be parachuted back into the team — and in terms of like-for-like replacements would be the ideal candidate to take Hickey’s spot.

Meanwhile the Western Bulldogs will be boosted by the return of skipper Katie Brennan, who is set to return from her ankle injury.