Geelong has lost two promising young players to knee injuries arising from the first two games in the NAB Challenge.
Scans have confirmed Geelong defender Jackson Thurlow has torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
Thurlow was stretchered off the ground after colliding with Essendon’s Mitch Brown in the third quarter of Saturday’s NAB Challenge match against the Bombers in Shepparton.
Thurlow will undergo surgery in the coming weeks and will miss the entire 2016 season.
“Confirmation that Jackson has torn his ACL is extremely disappointing for him and the club,” Geelong’s General Manager of Football Steve Hocking said.
“His development came along in leaps and bounds last year and he was definitely in the mix to become a permanent member of our back six this season after showing great promise throughout the pre-season.
“As a club we will ensure he is provided with all the support he needs to work through the process.”
Draftee Sam Menegola suffered a less-serious posterior cruciate ligament injury to his left knee in the second quarter of the Cats’ first game against Collingwood.
Specialists have advised Menegola will not require surgery. The 24-year-old will commence a conservative rehab program and is expected to return to football early in the season.
“This is a minor setback for Sam. He has shown resilience through his career and has shown the ability to bounce back from injury and he has enjoyed a solid pre-season campaign,” Hocking said.
“Sam was playing well when he suffered this injury and we expect him to be back to that form when he returns.”
