Scans have confirmed that young Richmond defender Josh Gibcus suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in last night’s match against Carlton at the MCG.

Gibcus, 20, landed awkwardly on his right knee in the second quarter of the match. The injury will end his season.

Richmond General Manager of Football Performance Tim Livingstone said the entire Club would rally around Gibcus throughout his rehabilitation.

“We are all incredibly disappointed for Josh. It is horrible luck after what he has already encountered on the injury front in his short career,” he said.

“Josh battled through last year with his head up and had put in a mountain of work to get himself back to full fitness for this season.

“We view Josh as a long-term player for us and an important part of our future, so we will give him all the support he needs and help him throughout his road to returning in 2025.

“He is still so young and has a lot of football ahead of him after this setback. We know the character and professional he is, that he will attack his rehab first-class and return stronger.”

Gibcus played 18 games in his debut 2022 season after being selected with the 9th pick overall in the 2021 AFL Draft.

The key defender missed the entire 2023 season with a hamstring injury, but after a strong pre-season, he was included as a key part of the Tigers’ AFL lineup for the past two matches, taking his career tally to 20.