Specialists have today confirmed Geelong draftee Sam Menegola has suffered a posterior cruciate ligament injury.

Menegola suffered the PCL injury to his left knee in the second quarter of the Cats’ first NAB Challenge game against Collingwood at Simonds Stadium on February 26.

Specialists have advised Menegola will not require surgery. The 24-year-old will commence a conservative rehab program and is expected to return to football early in the season.

“This is a minor setback for Sam. He has shown resilience through his career and has shown the ability to bounce back from injury and he has enjoyed a solid pre-season campaign,” Geelong’s General Manager Steve Hocking said.

“Sam was playing well when he suffered this injury and we expect him to be back to that form when he returns.”

Menegola suffered the knee injury in his first game for the Cats after spending four seasons as a rookie, firstly with Hawthorn in 2011 and Fremantle from 2012-2014.

Menegola played in Subiaco’s premiership side in the WAFL in 2015 before being selected at pick 66 by the Cats in the AFL draft.