Reef McInnes' AFL season is likely over after scans confirmed a serious knee injury for the Collingwood defender.
McInnes landed awkwardly early in Friday night's six-point win over the Western Bulldogs at the MCG.
He hobbled from the field and scans have confirmed he has a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
The 22-year-old has played 23 games since his 2022 debut and was relishing a move into defence.
"We are incredibly disappointed for Reef. He had an enormous summer and showed some really strong form in the pre-season and opening rounds of the season in a new defensive role," Collingwood football boss Charlie Gardiner said in a club statement.
"We were all hoping that he could have a consistent year and establish himself as regular part of our defensive unit, but he is an outstanding person and we're confident he will bounce back from this latest setback."
