Greater Western Sydney youngster Will Setterfield has had his worst nightmare confirmed this morning, with scans showing a tear in his left ACL.
Setterfield went down in the second quarter of GWS' practice match against Sydney on Friday evening as the club confirmed the 20-year-old's season was over.
"We'll consult with the surgeon in the coming days before mapping out a suitable rehabilitation program for Will.
"He's a terrific young man and he's got the full support of everyone at the Giants behind him."
"It does look like Will Setterfield has torn his ACL," Hayes said.
"He'll go in for scans to confirm, but it's disappointing as he's had a great pre-season."
Setterfield played two senior games in his debut season, threatening to add yet another midfield presence in an already strong Giants line up in 2018.