Melbourne youngster Joel Smith will miss the remainder of the season due to a knee injury.
Smith sustained the injury while playing for Casey in the VFL against Sandringham on Saturday.
After landing awkwardly, there were initially fears he had suffered an ACL injury, however, the injury is less severe than first though, but the 21-year-old will still be unable to return this season.
“Joel Smith landed awkwardly after a marking contest on the weekend playing for Casey and left the ground on a stretcher,” general manager of football operations Josh Mahoney said.
“Scans today (Monday) have shown a crack in his tibia bone. A decision will be made this week regarding the need for surgery, nevertheless he will not play again this season.
“This injury generally takes approximately eight to 10 weeks to heal and Joel will be fully recovered at the beginning of pre-season.
“Joel has had a frustrating year with injury, and as disappointed as we are with his season being over, there were initial fears of even more damage being done to the knee, which would have affected next year.”
Smith made his debut for the club in round one this year after impressing during the pre-season, however, a frustrating run with injuries, has limited him to just three senior games.
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