MATTHEW Scharenberg’s horrible run of luck has continued, with the young Magpie rupturing his ACL during the Magpies' VFL win over Bendigo on Friday night.
The 19-year-old utility, who was the No. 6 selection in last year's NAB AFL Draft, was injured during the second quarter of the match.
He left the ground on crutches, and on Saturday morning scans confirmed the Pies' worst fears - he requires a knee reconstruction.
Collingwood confirmed Scharenberg would have a traditional reconstruction in the coming weeks.
“It’s terribly disappointing news,” the club's director of football Rodney Eade told collingwoodfc.com.au.
“He’s a robust kid who has already demonstrated his resilience with us to get back and play this year.
“We’re very much looking forward to seeing the best of Matthew Scharenberg.”
A brilliant performer at the 2013 national under-18 championships, Scharenberg was sidelined during the latter part of last season by a foot injury.
He then had surgery on both his feet during the pre-season with the Magpies.
After being carefully managed, he made his VFL debut last month.
The match against Bendigo was his fifth appearance at that level.
The upside for Collingwood was the final result. The Magpies tuned up for the start of the VFL finals next weekend with a 46-point win.
It was an emotional night for Bendigo, as the game was the last in the club's short history.
