Carlton has confirmed that defender Caleb Marchbank ruptured his ACL playing in the VFL against Box Hill yesterday.

AFL journalist Tom Browne first reported on Saturday night that there were fears that the 24-year suffered a suspected ACL injury in a cruel blow for the Blues.

Scans on Sunday revealed the worst for Marchbank, ruling him out for the rest of the season.

“Caleb has been through an incredible amount of adversity and the way he has dealt with it all is a testament to his quality as a person as well as a professional,” Blues head of football Brad Lloyd told carltonfc.com.au.

“There is no denying football can be unfair sometimes, especially considering how hard Caleb had worked to get his body right to play his best football once again.

“As disappointed as we all are, it does not change our belief in Caleb and the unwavering support we will provide him every step of the way through his rehabilitation and we’re sure that support will be echoed by our members and supporters.”

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 21: Caleb Marchbank of the Blues handballs whilst being tackled by Bailey Williams of the Bulldogs during the round 5 AFL match between Western Bulldogs and Carlton at Marvel Stadium on April 21, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Marchbank was drafted by GWS out of the Murray Bushrangers with Pick 6 in thew 2014 AFL draft and moved to Carlton at the end of 2016.

Injuries have restricted the backman to just 48 AFL games.