YOUNG Brisbane Lions key forward Michael Close requires knee surgery and will miss the remainder of the season.
Scans confirmed on Monday Close had ruptured the ACL in his left knee after landing awkwardly in Sunday night’s loss to North Melbourne.
Close limped from the field but was subbed out of the game a short time afterwards.
The 20-year-old will undergo surgery in the near future and miss 12 months.
"It's incredibly disappointing for Closey and everyone at the footy club really feels for him," Lions general manager of football Dean Warren said.
"As with any major injury, our focus is on making sure he gets the best care possible and getting him on the road to recovery as soon as possible.
Close has kicked 10 goals in 15 senior games for the Lions and last year signed a three-year deal to the end of 2017.