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.
4. Robbie Gray
Some players have their careers ruined by an ACL injury, while others, such as Port Adelaide's Robbie Gray, somehow improve dramatically.
When Gray was taken as Port Adelaide's fourth pick and 55th overall in 2006, few could have predicted the career he would have. His first few seasons were mostly marred by repeated soft-tissue injuries and inconsistent moments of brilliance.
In Round 4, 2012, Gray suffered a horrific knee injury in the dying moments of the Power's clash with Collingwood. The injury required a total knee reconstruction and cost Gray the remainder of his 2012 season.
It would be a full year until his return to footy in Round 4, 2013, and with a fresh number change from 17 to 9, Gray emerged as a completely new player.
Across the next 10 seasons, Gray solidified himself as a Port Adelaide great with three consecutive best and fairest awards (2014, 2015, 2016), four All-Australian selections (the most for Port Adelaide), and a record five Showdown Medals. His career post-injury has been nothing short of remarkable.
