TALENTED Victorian draft prospect Flynn Perez is set to miss all of next season after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament at Vic Country training last week.
The promising Bendigo Pioneers defender was taking part in a session with the Vic Country Academy squad when he went down with the injury, which will require a knee reconstruction.
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Perez loomed as an exciting player for Vic Country and the Pioneers next season, having played in the NAB AFL All Stars under-17s clash at the MCG on Grand Final day.
The 17-year-old also trained with Geelong earlier this month as part of the Academy program.
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He has a strong soccer background, having captained the under-12s Victorian soccer side, but showed encouraging signs at TAC Cup level this year playing in the backline.
However, he was set for more midfield time next year, with his hardness at the ball considered a key quality.
Perez was taking part in the Vic Country talent program which saw players eligible for the next two drafts come together for a week-long camp in Melbourne.
