Melbourne youngster Aaron Nietschke has suffered a second ACL injury in his first season at the Demons.
Nietschke re-injured his right knee at training last Friday with scans confirming a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
He is expected to miss the entirety of the 2020 season in what is a cruel blow for the 19-year-old after injuring the same knee in February.
“Unfortunately, scans have confirmed that Aaron has ruptured his ACL graft, which will likely sideline him for the 2020 season,” GM of Football Operations Josh Mahoney told melbourne.com.au.
“This is obviously incredibly disappointing news for Aaron and the whole team.
“He had really attacked his rehab and was in great shape prior to this incident.”
Nietschke was selected by Melbourne with pick No.53 in the 2018 AFL Draft from Central Districts in Adelaide.
The Demons will extend Nietschke’s contract beyond next year in a sign of faith and confidence in the young utility.