GOLD Coast has received a devastating blow with confirmation key defender Rory Thompson has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.

Thompson suffered the injury at training on Friday and scans revealed the worst.

He will miss the entire season. 

"It’s unfortunate for Rory, as he’d put together a really strong pre-season," general manager of football operation Jon Haines said. 

"Rory is a much-loved member of our playing group. 

"As an entire club, we’ll make sure we get behind Rory to help him get through the next 12 months."

Thompson played 17 games in 2018 and with Steven May departing for Melbourne in the off-season was seen as a cornerstone of the team's defence. 

The Suns recruited former Docker Sam Collins and reliable Port Adelaide defender Jack Hombsch during the off-season to bolster their defence. 

Gold Coast said it would consider all options regarding Thompson's surgery.

Thompson is the second Sun to suffer the same injury after Harrison Wigg went down last month.

The Suns' list management team will spend the weekend discussing the potential of replacing Thompson on the list.

With one list spot remaining post-draft, plus Thompson's ACL adding to Wigg's season-ending knee, the Suns have three available positions before the pre-season supplemental selection period deadline on March 15.

With key defensive depth including Jack Hombsch, Sam Collins, Ben King, Jack Leslie, Charlie Ballard and Jesse Joyce, it may prompt the Suns to use one of the spots on adding to another area of the ground.

It is understood the Suns will hold at least two positions over until the mid-season draft.