Mia King to miss AFLW season after neck surgery

North Melbourne midfielder Mia King will miss the remainder of the AFLW season following spinal fusion surgery. The 25-year-old reported neck pain after a recent victory over Brisbane, leading to medical examinations in Queensland that identified a disc injury near her spinal cord.

King underwent surgery to fuse the C5 and C6 vertebrae and is currently recovering in Brisbane. She is expected to return to professional action in 2027. North Melbourne women’s football manager Erin Lorenzini expressed the club’s support, stating, “We are devastated for her, but also full of admiration for how incredibly strong she has been this week.”

King, a member of North Melbourne’s 2024 premiership team, had previously missed the 2025 grand final due to a knee injury. The Kangaroos have started the current season with two consecutive wins in their pursuit of a third straight championship.