There's nothing more deflating for an AFL fan base than news of an ACL injury.
The injury, particularly for young players, has robbed the footballing world of some of its most exciting talents.
With Carlton's prized draftee, Jagga Smith, rupturing his ACL, we decided to compile a list of some of the AFL's best young prospects who successfully recovered from season-ending injuries to forge great careers.
The following players should (hopefully) give Carlton fans a small glimmer of hope.
3. Will Ashcroft
The Brisbane Lions' young star is solid proof of how rapidly modern footballers can recover from an injury as severe as an ACL rupture.
Highly touted as the son of Lions great and triple premiership player Marcus Ashcroft, Will was taken by the Lions with their second pick in the 2022 draft. In just his second game for the Lions, Ashcroft showcased his potential with a 31-disposal effort against Melbourne, earning him a Rising Star nomination.
However, in Round 19, everything came crashing down as he ruptured his ACL against Geelong, ending his rookie season and robbing the 19-year-old of his first taste of finals footy.
After a full year away, Ashcroft made his return to the side in Round 16 of the following season, showing little-to-no lingering effects from his knee injury. Ashcroft was instrumental in the Lions' successful 2024 finals campaign, winning the Norm Smith Medal for a brilliant 30-disposal grand final performance.
