Carlton small forward Jesse Motlop is set to miss the entire 2026 season after tearing his ACL at training on Monday.
Scans confirmed the horrid news, with Motlop set for surgery.
“Jesse has put in plenty of hard work in the pre-season, so we are really feeling for him at this time,” Carlton General Manager of Football Chris Davies said.
“While there is understandable disappointment right now, Jesse is the ultimate professional, who possesses great resilience, which will help as he moves through the recovery process.
“The Club and medical staff will continue to support Jesse during his rehabilitation.”
Motlop recently signed a two-year extension amid interest from rival clubs after producing a breakout campaign, featuring in every match last year.
The 22-year-old has played 63 games since being drafted with Pick 27 in the 2021 National Draft, kicking 59 goals.
Motlop managed to put a troublesome 2024 year behind him, which was plagued by injuries.
Multiple recurrences of hamstring issues, as well as a toe problem, curtailed his season, limiting his availability to seven games.
Intrigue has already begun regarding what the Blues do in the SSP, which will no doubt see the club open a list spot following Motlop’s injury.
Carlton already held one list spot over the off-season, and invited delisted pair Elijah Hollands and Will White back to Ikon Park in a bid to push for the sole vacancy.
Given Motlop’s small forward presence, both Hollands and White pose as genuine replacements, with the latter more similar in attributes.