Gold Coast co-captain Tom Lynch will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a PCL injury.
Lynch has been managing the injury through the majority of the season, but has been told by experts that surgery is the best option to aid in his recovery.
โItโs a really disappointing to know that Iโm going to have to have surgery and not play out the season,โ Lynch told goldcoastfc.com.au.
โIโve been doing all I can to rehab the injury without requiring surgery. That has meant I havenโt been able to get out there and train with the team during the week like you normally would.
โWeโve been assessing my knee weekly and the latest advice recommends surgery and Iโll get that done as soon as possible.โ
The 25-year-old played 10 matches during the 2018 season, and kicked 20 goals while averaging 12.7 disposals and 4.7 marks per game.
With the star forward out of contract at season's end, Lynch told the club's website he still hasn't made a decision on his future.
โObviously there is going to be commentary around my contract with the news of me being ruled out for the rest of the season, Iโm realistic to understand that,โ Lynch added.
โPost-surgery Iโm sure the time will come where Iโll sit down with my manager and work through what the best option going forward is.
โClearly, Iโve got a decision to make on my future, but the reality is I havenโt made that decision.โ
