The Brisbane Lions confirmed this morning that promising defender Sam Skinner has suffered an ACL injury in the Lions NEAFL side’s win over the GWS Giants on Saturday.

The 20-year-old ruptured his ACL on his right knee and will require surgery.

This is the third time he’s suffered this same injury, after already damaging his ACL twice on his left knee.

Earlier this year, Skinner made his long-awaited debut in Round 19 against the West Coast Eagles in Perth, where he kicked two goals.

Skinner fought through a challenging twelve months in the lead up to that moment. In 2016, he was set to debut against Port Adelaide, before he was cruelly struck with an ACL rupture.

General Manager of Football Operations David Noble said:

"The club is extremely disappointed by another blow to Sam's career after seeing how hard he worked over this last summer to get back and make his debut."

"Sam has shown great resilience & strength of character with his previous injuries.

"We will provide every support for him and his family from a medical and wellbeing perspective."

The Club are rallying behind Skinner during this difficult time.