Scans have unfortunately confirmed that Richmond AFLW ruck Montana McKinnon suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in Saturday's match simulation against the Western Bulldogs.

McKinnon, 23, was tackled innocuously, twisting her left knee during the second period of the hit out, a game she had started brightly in.

The prized recruit, who joined the Club from Adelaide in December last year, will require a knee reconstruction and miss the entire 2024 AFLW season due to the injury.

Richmond Head of Women's Football, Kate Sheahan, said it was devastating news for McKinnon.

"Montana has made such a great start to her time at Richmond since relocating to Victoria and has impressed everyone with her natural ability, athleticism and work ethic," she said.

"To have her first season with us end this way is very disappointing for Montana and us all, but we know she will bounce back from this terrible luck.

"We will all get around Montana and offer her all the support she needs to return even better in 2025."

Richmond is able to select a replacement player for McKinnon in the coming weeks, with the deadline two days prior to Round 1.

The Tigers face West Coast on the AFLW's opening night on August 29.