Richmond defender Tylar Young has suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the VFL curtain-raiser before Saturday night's Dreamtime at the 'G.
With the injury list now continuing to mount, Young's massive blow makes for up to 16 players sidelined during a tumultuous start to Adem Yze's coaching career.
If scans were to confirm an ACL rupture for the 25-year-old, he would join Sam Naismith, Josh Gibcus and Judson Clarke on the sidelines for the remainder of the season.
Young has managed nine senior games this season following on from his debut year in 2023, averaging nine disposals and five marks.
“Yeah, it does look that way, and that's a really tough one,” Yze said.
“He's a terrific kid, he works so hard on his game, and I just wanted him to go down and get some confidence and go for his marks.
“To see him do it early in the game (was disappointing), so we'll wrap our arms around him. He'll be better for it — we've got three or four guys that he can work with (in rehab) that are going through the same thing (ACL ruptures).
“It's a sad one, but he'll be back.”
Richmond GM of Football Performance Tim Livingstone said it was a devastating blow for the key defender.
“It is disappointing for Tylar, who has been an important player for us across the past 18 months," Livingstone said.
MORE: Richmond's full injury list
“We will give Tylar all the support he needs and help him throughout his rehabilitation. He is still a young player, and we know he will return fit, strong, and ready to continue to make an impact in 2025."
Exciting mid-forward Shai Bolton will also miss next week's clash with Geelong after entering concussion protocols.
Bolton was on the end of a teammate's knee to the back of the head in Saturday's loss and was subsequently subbed out of the match.