Essendon Football Club can confirm Josh Begley will miss the remainder of the 2018 season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament during the first quarter of the ANZAC Day clash against Collingwood.

The 19-year-old had scans this morning revealing the extent of the damage in his right knee and will now undergo a traditional knee reconstruction next week.

“Josh twisted his knee in a relatively innocuous contest but unfortunately scans today have confirmed he has torn his anterior cruciate ligament,” Essendon GM of Football, Dan Richardson, said.

“We are all disappointed for him, he has made a really promising start to his career, including playing every game this season.

“Importantly, he has great support around him, he is a terrific young man and we are confident he will make a full recovery following a successful rehabilitation program.”