Western Bulldogs called out for ‘incredibly cruel’ decision to delist Jorja Borg…

All Australian and Channel 7 commentator Kate McCarthy has rued the Western Bulldogs’ “incredibly cruel” decision to delist ruck Jorja Borg just weeks after a serious knee injury.

Borg was named the Dogs VFLW team’s club champion in 2023 and later made her AFLW debut as a train-on player, before being drafted ahead of the 2024 campaign.

The 25-year-old immediately became a mainstay but she suffered a season-ending ACL tear in the first quarter of the Dogs’ sixth game.

“It’s incredibly unfortunate news for Jorja — we’re all devastated for her,” Bulldogs women’s football boss Patrice Berthold said on October 1.

“She was playing a really important role for us this season, and while this injury is a significant setback, we have no doubt she will attack her rehab with her usual resilience and professionalism.

“We’ll give Jorja all the support she needs throughout her recovery process.”

Now, though, Borg has been delisted and left to fight for her AFLW future.

The Bulldogs confirmed they will “continue to support her rehabilitation into 2025” but that was little consolation for McCarthy.

“One of the most coachable players, great club person and a developing ruck/tall,” she wrote.

“So incredibly cruel to do to someone who is four weeks post-knee reconstruction.”

AFLW premiership player Jess Wuetschner agreed: “Said the same exact thing.”

Borg was delisted alongside Keely Coyne, Elizabeth Snell and Aurora Smith.

“We thank Keely, Elizabeth, Aurora and Jorja for their contributions to the red, white and blue both on and off the field,” Bulldogs AFLW list boss Dan Fisher said.

“We wish them all the best for the future.”

Coyne’s situation offered a glimpse into Borg’s future and why the Bulldogs, who missed the finals, would move to delist the ruck now.

Coyne had similarly played seven straight games to start last season before suffering an ACL injury in Round 7.

She was tipped for a comeback midway through the 2024 campaign but did not receive a recall, and has now been delisted — just days before her 20th birthday.

AFLW clubs are restricted to just 30 listed players, with 10 train-on players only eligible for selection in the event of an injury crisis.