The playing future of Australian netball captain Sharelle McMahon is under threat, after the veteran sustained a serious achilles injury during the Melbourne Vixens' 10-goal loss to trans-Tasman Championship leaders the Queensland Firebirds, in Melbourne.
McMahon, who'll turn 34 in August, will undergo scans on her left Achilles tendon today, after the country's leading goal attack was carried from the court just minutes before the half-time break.
Vixens physiotherapist Steve Hawkins could not confirm the extent of damage immediately after the match.
With netball's world championships to be held in Singapore in July, McMahon's injury is a massive blow to Australia's hopes of retaining the title.
McMahon is one of the greatest players in the history of Australian netball and her absence at the titles will be felt, assuming she is to miss the quadrennial event.
McMahon has captained Australia since 2008 and has been the co-captain of the Vixens since their inception in the ANZ Championships.
For the victorious Firebirds, the 52-42 win is their eighth consecutive for the season and their fourth victory in a row away from home.
