Gold Coast Suns co-captain Jarrod Witts has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a ruptured ACL.
Witts suffered the injury in the third quarter of his side's loss to Adelaide on Sunday, with scans confirming the worst for the big man.
The Suns on Tuesday afternoon announced the unfortunate news via the club website.
“Jarrod has suffered a rupture of his ACL during that contest in the third quarter on Friday night and will miss the remainder of the 2021 season,” Suns GM of Football Jon Haines told goldcoastfc.com.au.
“It’s unfortunate for Jarrod, but we know he’ll continue to lead the club as he has done in recent years.”
SEE ALSO: “Shame on you”: Cats legend takes aim at Hawks fans over Smith boos
Witts, 28, bounced back to his best form this season after a quiet 2020, averaging 15.5 disposals and 32 hitouts throughout the first two rounds.
The big man is contracted at the Suns until the end of the 2024 season.
it is a cruel blow for the Suns whose ruck stocks are now left very thin with backup Zac Smith (PCL) currently sidelined and Matt Conroy (ACL) out for the season.
Chris Burgess was thrown into the ruck after Witts went down against the Crows and figures to step into the role moving forward as a makeshift option.
The Suns will look to bounce back from their loss to Adelaide when they host Carlton on Saturday night at Metricon Stadium (AEST).