Carlton small forward Jesse Motlop has become the second young gun to have a heartbreaking ACL injury revealed on Monday.
The Blues confirmed Motlop, 22, injured his knee at training, with subsequent scans indicating a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament, which looks all but certain to rule him out of the 2026 season.
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“Jesse has put in plenty of hard work in the pre-season, so we are really feeling for him at this time,” Carlton football boss 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.”
The news on Motlop, who signed a two-year extension late last season, comes just hours after North Melbourne’s Jackson Archer suffered his own setback after multiple injuries in 2025.
The Roos confirmed on Monday morning that the 22-year-old will undergo a right knee reconstruction, after tearing his ACL over the weekend.
The cruel below means the running defender is expected to miss the entire 2026 season, after only managing three last year as suspension, hamstring concerns and an ankle injury prevented the father-son prospect from gaining continuity in the Kangaroos’ senior side.
Archer has played 26 games since his debut back in 2022, and played a season-best 15 games in 2024.
In a club statement, North Melbourne confirmed the father-son will consult their medical team this week to work through his rehab program.
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