Carlton and emerging star Jagga Smith have been dealt the cruellest of blows on the eve of the AFL season, with scans showing an ACL tear for the 19-year-old.
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Last year’s third pick in the national draft looked more than comfortable during his side’s match simulation against St Kilda on Saturday, before coming from the field at three-quarter time in what was thought to be simply a precautionary move from a tackle during play.
But heartbreakingly, Carlton confirmed that scans on Smith’s knee revealed a torn ACL — meaning he will miss the entire 2025 season.
“It certainly was not the news we were expecting and we really feel for Jagga, he has not put a foot wrong from the second he walked into the football club back in November,” Carlton’s General Manager Brad Lloyd said via a club statement.
“Jagga possesses incredible professionalism for someone so young and an absolute dedication to push himself to get better every single day – two qualities which will have him in a strong mindset to progress through every stage of his rehab.
“While it is really unfortunate we won’t see Jagga out of the field this season, he will continue to soak up as much knowledge as he can from his teammates and coaches during his first year in the AFL system, before setting himself to attack his second season head on.”
Smith will undergo surgery before commencing any rehabilitation to help him recover fully from the gruelling injury.
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