Essendon ruckman Sam Draper suffered an ACL injury during the Bombers' VFL win over Geelong on Sunday at the MCG.
Draper suffered the injury during the second quarter, with coach John Worsfold confirming the news to the media on Tuesday morning.
“Sam Draper unfortunately got diagnosed last night with a torn ACL,” Worsfold said.
“He’ll need a knee reconstruction, which will take place down the track.
“It’s disappointing for Sam, because his development has been outstanding and we were really pleased with how he has been going.
“He’s been an emergency and very close (to senior selection), so it is really disappointing for him.”
The 20-year-old is yet to make his Essendon debut.