Essendon midfielder Alex Browne has described the disappointment he felt upon learning he would miss the remainder of the year with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.

Browne sustained the injury during the first quarter of the club’s first match of 2014 against Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium on Monday night.

The 20-year-old said he was devastated to discover the injury would sideline him for the entire season.

“It is very disappointing and at the time I knew something was wrong,” Brown told BomberTV.

“I heard a pop and it was pretty sore but at the same time I never thought it was going to be an ACL. I thought it might just be a few weeks out.

“That was probably the most disappointing bit when the doctor took me into the room and let me know that it was probably going to be an ACL (injury).”

Despite the initial shock, Browne has now turned his attention to undertaking his rehabilitation to the best of his ability.

“It is a long process, so I don’t want to rush it and I want to get it right,” he said.

“I am lucky enough to be in contact with people who have been through a similar thing and the main message from them to get it right.

“I am surrounded by a group of great guys at the club including the fitness and medical staff that will put me in good stead.”

Browne thanked fans for their ongoing support since he sustained the injury on Monday night.

“There is no doubt this football club is the best footy club,” Browne said.

“The support from the staff, the coaches, the players and supporters it has just been unbelievable so for that I thank everyone.

“I just hope I can get back as soon as possible.”

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