ESSENDON has confirmed talented forward Alwyn Davey will undergo a season-ending knee reconstruction following an injury sustained at training last week.
Surgeons on Monday diagnosed a tear to the 23-year-old's anterior cruciate ligament, with the exciting Bomber booked in for the operation later this week.
"The results of his scans confirmed our worst fears and Alwyn will miss the rest of the season," team manager David Calthorpe said on the club's website.
"He will have surgery in the next week or so and will then start his rehabilitation program.
"The injury takes about 10-12 months to recover and, all going well, we hope to have him back for round one next year."
Davey was withdrawn from the Bombers' Anzac Day line-up after suffering the injury during Thursday's training session.
He was initially able to pass a fitness test, which left the club's medical staff optimistic the ligament was only partially damaged and might not require a full reconstruction.
But, further testing on Monday revealed the speedy goal-sneak must undergo a complete rebuild of the right knee, meaning he will miss the rest of the season.
"Alwyn is obviously disappointed but at the same time he wants to do everything he can to get back and play for the club next year," Calthorpe said.
"He will be placed on the long-term injury list but we won't be rushing in a replacement until they are ready."
The Bombers now have two positions on the senior list to fill, with Scott Lucas also rated a long-term casualty. The spearhead is expected to return from his own knee complaint in round 10, after injuring his posterior cruciate ligament in the opening week of the season.
He has been on the long-term injury list since round four.