Top Carlton draft pick Jagga Smith suffers season-ending ACL rupture
Carlton is shell-shocked after scans revealed its first pick in the 2024 AFL draft, midfielder Jagga Smith, suffered a season-ending ACL rupture.
The club confirmed in a statement that Smith, the No.3 pick in November's draft, had suffered the injury while being tackled in a practice match against St Kilda on Saturday.
The 19-year-old will undergo surgery then begin his rehabilitation.
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"It certainly was not the news we were expecting and we really feel for Jagga," Carlton footy boss Brad Lloyd said in a statement on Sunday.
"He has not put a foot wrong from the second he walked into the football club.
"Jagga possesses incredible professionalism for someone so young and an absolute dedication to push himself to get better every single day — two qualities which will have him in a strong mindset to progress through every stage of his rehab.
Jagga Smith limps from the field during a practice match. Getty
"While it is really unfortunate we won't see Jagga out on the field this season, he will continue to soak up as much knowledge as he can from his teammates and coaches during his first year in the AFL system, before setting himself to attack his second season head on."
Carlton assistant coach Tim Clarke said immediately after the practice match that Smith's injury was nothing major, only for scans to reveal devastating news.
"Just got a knock to his knee late in the game and so we kept him off as a precaution," Clarke told media.
"Nothing too serious."
Smith was also completing run-throughs and change-of-direction drills on the boundary, appearing to be fine.
Jagga Smith is embraced by friends and family after being drafted by Carlton. AFL Photos via Getty Images
He had appeared to be a certainty to play in round one, having impressed coach Michael Voss in a massive way during his first AFL pre-season.
The young gun averaged 33.8 disposals per game for the Oakleigh Chargers last season.
Carlton will open its premiership campaign against Richmond at the MCG on March 13.
