Many players go on to have successful and long careers in the AFL, but a portion of players have their careers cut short. Some are star players who just didn't get a good crack to show what they have, or succumbed to the nasty history and role that injuries play in the game.

We take a look at 10 of the most notable names who had their promising careers end prematurely.

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9. Alex Johnson

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Almost six years between his last game and the first game back from injury, Alex Johnson's AFL career was that of heartbreak.

Drafted by Sydney in 2010 at pick 57, Johnson exceeded all expectations placed on him in his first season, filling the role of retiring star Craig Bolton.

In his second season, Johnson was an important part of the Swans' 2012 premiership. This premiership win, would be his last game until 2018 however.

He suffered repeated knee injuries, starting with his left ACL in the 2013 preseason. He underwent two knee reconstructions that year, and returned to reserves in early 2014. In his first game back, he tore his ACL again. It took a further three operations between 2014 and 2016 to heal it.

His return to senior footy was hampered by a groin injury in the 2017/18 off-season.

Johnson finally returned in Round 20, 2018 against Collingwood. The following week, he suffered another knee injury, this time his right ACL. This ended his career at the Swans.

Johnson played only 47 games in eight years, 45 of those in his first two seasons.