Scans have confirmed that Collingwood player Lachlan Keeffe suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the last quarter of the round nine win over Adelaide on Saturday night.
 
Keeffe will undergo reconstructive surgery to his right knee and is likely to be sidelined for the remainder of the season.
 
The 22-year-old Queenslander has played an important role in the Collingwood side this year, having played all nine matches and mainly as a key defender in the absence of some more experienced teammates.

View Collingwood's injury list here.

Keeffe is the fourth Collingwood player to suffer a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury this year. Andrew Krakouer, Brent Macaffer and Luke Ball have all undergone knee reconstructions in 2012.

Director of Football Geoff Walsh said that the injury is disappointing for a player who has been a revelation in the early rounds of the season.

“It’s really disappointing for Lachlan and the club, especially considering he’s been such a good contributor for us in 2012 so far.
 
“He’ll undergo a knee reconstruction and we expect him to be available to play early in the 2013 season."

Keeffe arrived at Collingwood after he was spotted by National Recruiting Manager Derek Hine at an AFL Queensland rookie search in 2007. He had no AFL experience prior to 2007, but made quick progress in Collingwood's VFL team under Gavin Brown and Tarkyn Lockyer after debuting against Geelong's VFL side in late 2008.

The 204cm backman made his debut against North Melbourne in round 16 last season and played in four more matches for the season in both attack and defence. He showcased his ability up forward when he booted three against Gold Coast in round 18, but has held down a key defensive post with aplomb in 2012.

Several of the club's stars including Dane Swan, Ben Reid and Nathan Brown have all been listed as 'test' on the injury list this week and should be in the mix for selection in the coming weeks.