Scans have unfortunately confirmed young ruckman Sam Draper has suffered an ACL tear in Essendon’s VFL victory over Geelong at the MCG on Sunday.

Draper went down just prior to half-time and failed to return to the field, and coach John Worsfold confirmed the disappointing news on Tuesday morning.

“Sam Draper unfortunately got diagnosed last night with a torn ACL,” Worsfold said.

“He’ll need a knee reconstruction, which will take place down the track."

Draper had begun putting together another outstanding season in his third year at the club and was knocking down the door for his AFL debut.

Fresh off a sensational 2018 VFL season where he recorded more than 40 hitouts on seven occasions – including three games with 60 or more hitouts – the exciting young Bomber had averaged 18 disposals and 36 hitouts in the opening three rounds of this season.

“It’s disappointing for Sam, because his development has been outstanding and we were really pleased with how he has been going.

“He’s been an emergency and very close (to senior selection), so it is really disappointing for him.”

Worsfold backed in the promising 20-year-old to respond well, much like some of the league’s other leading ruckman.

“I was talking to (ruck coach) Mark Jamar today and he said we know Nic Naitanui and Max Gawn have both had knee reconstructions.

“It’s all ahead for Sam, he’ll be up and about and he’s got a really bright career ahead of him.”

Stay tuned for more injury news in Tuesday afternoon’s SKINS Injury Update.