The worst fears for star Adelaide Crow Brodie Smith's injury have been confirmed, with the running defender to miss the rest of the finals series and majority of 2018 after rupturing his ACL.
Smith injured his knee in the first quarter of last night's Qualifying Final win against Greater Western Sydney.
Crows Head of Football Brett Burton said scans on Friday morning confirmed the bad news.
“The injury is really disappointing for both Brodie and the Club as we start our finals campaign,” Burton said.
“We will consult a specialist this week with the view to Brodie having surgery, which will unfortunately rule him out for the season.
“Brodie will still be an important part of the group as we continue through September.”