Top Carlton draft prospect Jagga Smith faces season-ending ACL injury.

Carlton is reeling after scans confirmed that their first selection in the 2024 AFL draft, midfielder Jagga Smith, has sustained a season-ending ACL injury.

The club announced in a statement that Smith, who was the No.3 pick in the upcoming draft, suffered the injury while being tackled during a practice match against St Kilda on Saturday.

The 19-year-old will require surgery followed by a rehabilitation programme.

“This was certainly not the news we were hoping for, and our hearts go out to Jagga,” said Carlton’s football manager Brad Lloyd in a statement on Sunday.

“From the moment he arrived at our club, Jagga has been exemplary in his conduct.”

“His professionalism is remarkable for someone so young, and his commitment to improving day after day is outstanding—qualities that will help him maintain a positive mindset during his rehabilitation.”

“While it’s unfortunate that we won’t see Jagga on the field this season, he will continue to absorb as much knowledge as possible from his teammates and coaches in his first year within the AFL framework, preparing himself to attack his second season with vigour.”

Carlton assistant coach Tim Clarke had initially described Smith’s injury as minor right after the practice match, only for scans to reveal the severity of the situation.

“He received a knock to his knee late in the game, so we kept him off as a precaution,” Clarke told the media.

“It didn’t seem too serious at the time.”

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