WEST Coast ruckman Scott Lycett says a posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is possible following a consultation with Melbourne surgeon Julian Feller on Wednesday.
Lycett flew to Melbourne with a West Coast physio to seek a second opinion on the PCL injury in his left knee.
The Eagles do have experienced consultant surgeons in Perth who performed Nic Naitanui's anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
But the club hasn't had a PCL injury since Michael Gardiner in 2004, and it is understood that the decision to consult Feller was simply a case of due diligence given PCL injuries are far less frequent.
Lycett told 6PR on Thursday morning that he was still unclear on the type of surgery needed following the consultation yesterday, but he conceded a reconstruction was possible.
"(I’m) not quite sure yet," Lycett said.
"I went to Melbourne yesterday with one of the physios from West Coast and consulted a knee surgeon over there and got a bit more of an idea of what we're going to do, but I think once the West Coast physio and doctors get together they'll know a bit more and have a plan from there.
"They'll announce something soon. Once they announce (it), I'll pretty much go under the knife from there.
"If it's a reconstruction, it could be anywhere from six to 12 (months). We'll see. But fingers crossed it's not that."
A knee reconstruction for Lycett would be another huge blow to the Eagles' 2017 season, given they will already be without Naitanui for the majority of it.
But it is possible Lycett could be back within six months even if he does have major surgery. Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge had PCL surgery in October 2012 and was back by round two, 2013. He played 23 games and captained the Hawks to a premiership.
Lycett said he had no regrets about declaring himself fit to play in the elimination final against the Western Bulldogs despite carrying the injury into the game.
"I think I was alright to play," Lycett said.
"Simmo (coach Adam Simpson) asked me the same question after the game.
"I didn't need a jab before the game but as it worked out, I probably should've got one.
"Then once I hurt it (the knee) I had to go down and get a jab. In hindsight, it was a final and I'm pretty content with myself that I went out there and I thought I was right to play. Unfortunately I copped a knock and it affected the knee."
The Eagles are now exploring all ruck options ahead of the trade and free agency period given the injuries to Lycett and Naitanui.
