Carlton has confirmed the worst for emerging defender Harry O'Farrell after he went down with a knee injury in Sunday's loss to Fremantle at Optus Stadium.
During a marking contest in the second quarter, O'Farrell went down innocuously, and immediately clutched at his leg, before being helped from the ground, with scans revealing an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear.
"Yesterday Harry experienced the fantastic highs and the devastating lows of our game in the space of only a few minutes - we are all feeling for him today," Blues General Manager of Football Brad Lloyd said.
"To step onto the big stage with confidence and a maturity beyond his years, he has all the qualities to be a quality player for our football club for a long time to come.
"Harry really impressed everyone as soon as he walked through the doors at IKON Park, he has an outstanding drive to get the absolute best out of himself.
"He will go into surgery, with the Club to provide him with all the support he needs through his rehabilitation."
Coach Michael Voss said it was "shattering news" for the emerging defender, who will miss the majority of the 2026 season.
"We've been so impressed with the young man, and he's going to evolve into a very good player for us," Voss said following the 27-point loss.
"He's just a natural footballer, and the players just love playing with him, because he's just super reliable. He's going to be a very good player for us, so if we do lose him for that period of time, it's a bit shattering for us."
O'Farrell had debuted in Round 11, and has added the past five weeks to his tally, including a mountainous effort last week, collecting 19 disposals and 13 marks against Hawthorn.
The 2024 draftee will join fellow newcomer Jagga Smith in tearing his ACL.
In more positive news, Voss set a return date for troubled midfielder Elijah Hollands, who recently returned to the club after taking personal leave.
After a breakout campaign in 2024, Hollands has only played five games this year after multiple stints away from IKON Park.
The former Sun was supported through a period of leave in March, returning briefly before again taking indefinite leave in late May.
"He'll come back into the club this week. He's been hovering around the VFL, doing a bit of that. He'll be back this week and playing VFL football," Voss said.
"He's been training pretty hard, so he'll be ready to go."
Hollands could take on his former side next week in the VFL, while the AFL contingent will suit up against Gold Coast at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.
