GWS Giants defender Brid Stack cleared of serious injury after nightmare tackle

The sight of Greater Western Sydney defender Brid Stack being stretchered from an AFLW match and into an ambulance with a possible spinal injury put loved ones in anxious wait, but the situation isn't as bad as was feared.

Scans have revealed the Irishwoman has a stable fracture of the C7 vertebra and no injury to the surrounding nerves. She does not require surgery but will wear a neck brace in the short term.

Stack was released from hospital late yesterday to rejoin the Giants' AFLW squad, who are based in Adelaide for at least the next two weeks, and will remain in Australia as she works through her rehabilitation.

Yesterday's practice match between the Giants and Adelaide Crows at Norwood Oval ended early when Stack was injured in a tackle.

GWS head of women's football Briana Harvey addressed the situation in a statement released by the club.

"This was an incredibly unfortunate accident and we're thankful that Brid has avoided serious injury," Harvey said.

"Brid and her family have made incredible sacrifices to come to Australia to play in the AFLW competition and we will be supporting them all the way through her recovery.

"We'd like to thank all those who provided Brid with the best possible care both at the ground and in hospital across Sunday."