Scans have today confirmed Geelong defender Jackson Thurlow has torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.



Thurlow was stretchered off the ground after colliding with Essendon’s Mitch Brown in the third quarter of Saturday’s NAB Challenge match against the Bombers in Shepparton.



Club medical staff opted to wait until scans today confirmed the extent of the young Tasmanian’s injury. Thurlow will undergo surgery in the coming weeks and will miss the entire 2016 season.



“Confirmation that Jackson has torn his ACL is extremely disappointing for him and the club,” Geelong’s General Manager of Football Steve Hocking said.



“His development came along in leaps and bounds last year and he was definitely in the mix to become a permanent member of our back six this season after showing great promise throughout the pre-season.



“As a club we will ensure he is provided with all the support he needs to work through the process.”



The 20-year-old enjoyed a breakout season in 2015 playing 19 games and earning an AFL Rising Star nomination.



Thurlow was drafted at pick 16 in the 2012 AFL draft and has played 29 games for the Cats over his three seasons with the club.