MELBOURNE defender Colin Garland's season is likely to be over after scans confirmed he had ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

Garland, 28, suffered the knee injury while playing for the Casey Demons against Port Melbourne at Casey Fields on Sunday.

Garland landed awkwardly in a marking contest in the last quarter of the game and had to be taken from the field on a stretcher.

"Unfortunately, scans have confirmed that Col has ruptured his ACL," Demons football manager Josh Mahoney told the club's website.

"He will meet with a surgeon to discuss his options today (Monday), with the most likely option being that he will miss the year.

"After a disappointing season last year, Col had completed a very good pre-season and set himself up for a good season."

Garland, who is contracted until the end of 2018, was being considered for round one selection with Sam Frost (toe) ruled out of the game.

The veteran defender's injury now opens the door for rookie Joel Smith to make his debut after he collected 16 disposals and kicked one goal in the practice match on Sunday. He will need to be upgraded to the senior list.

Garland managed just six senior appearances in 2016 after being shunted down the pecking order as the Demons favoured the young backline duo of Frost and Oscar McDonald.

Garland has played 141 games for Melbourne since making his debut in 2007.