MELBOURNE defender Joel Smith is awaiting the results of scans after being stretchered off the field with a knee injury in Casey's VFL clash on Saturday.
The 21-year-old landed awkwardly after flying for a pack mark in the first quarter of the Demons' stirring 10-point win over Sandringham at Trevor Barker Beach Oval.
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Casey coach Justin Plapp told AFL.com.au on Sunday afternoon the club remained hopeful the injury was not as bad as first feared.
The Demons' coach detailed how Smith suffered the game-ending knee injury.
"He was flying for a mark on the outer wing and if he'd taken the mark it would've been one of the marks of the year," Plapp said.
"It was a really strong aerial contest and he'd just come down, and by the looks, he hyperextended his knee."
Smith played three games in the senior team this season after being picked up in the 2015 rookie draft.
The athletic backman's blow is the latest setback in a season that has been riddled by injury.
He suffered a serious shoulder injury in the first quarter of his AFL debut in round one against St Kilda and missed the next three months after undergoing surgery.
Smith played two games in the VFL before earning a recall to the senior team in round 16, playing against Carlton and Adelaide before being left out of the team that went on to defeat Port Adelaide.
