Sam Darcy avoids ACL rupture

Bulldogs superstar Sam Darcy has avoided a full ACL rupture, reports SEN's Sam Edmund.

The 21-year-old exited Sunday's clash against St Kilda during the first quarter after hyperextending his left knee during a marking contest, with immediate fears that young gun had suffered a torn ACL.

However Edmund has since confirmed that Darcy managed to avoid the worst case scenario.

“Something of an Easter miracle has just taken place because I can tell you that Sam Darcy has not suffered an ACL rupture,” he said on SEN's Whateley.

“I’m told it will still be long-term… he’ll still be missing some football Sam Darcy, and I don’t pretend to know the exact diagnosis.”

“On one hand a big sigh of relief, but again I caution we do wait now for the Western Bulldogs to reveal exactly what has taken place.”

AFL.com.au's Josh Gabelich confirmed that Darcy is still expected to miss several months, having suffered a fractured kneecap in the incident which will require surgery.

The Western Bulldogs released this statement regarding the star this morning:

The Western Bulldogs can confirm that scans have cleared Sam Darcy of an ACL rupture.

The 21-year-old has suffered an impaction fracture in his left knee, with associated ligament damage.

“Scans have cleared the ACL of damage but confirmed that he has suffered a significant knee injury with an impaction fracture at the front of his knee and associated ligament damage at the back of his knee,” Chris Bell, Head of Sports Medicine at the Bulldogs, said.

The Club is expecting that surgical management is required to repair this injury, with a definitive timeline to be set in coming weeks.

*Further updates will be provided in due course. *

In the midst of a breakout season, Darcy is averaging 14 disposals, seven marks and two goals a game, lifting to a new height in the absence of Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.

The Bulldogs currently sit at three wins from six games in 2025.