PORT ADELAIDE utility Maggie MacLachlan has sustained a stress fracture in her left femur.

MacLachlan had a scan late last week after reporting gradually worsening pain in her left hip and thigh.

She will spend at least two weeks on crutches before making a graded return to weight-bearing exercise.

The injury is an unfortunate setback for the 20-year-old who is making excellent progress following shoulder surgery in October and was preparing to play some SANFLW matches for Glenelg.

MacLachlan is expected to be back in full training by the beginning of the AFLW pre-season.