Will Setterfield to miss 2018 season after scans confirm ACL tear

GWS’s horror run with injury has continued with scans confirming young gun Will Setterfield has torn his ACL and will miss the 2018 season in another major blow for the Giants.

Will Setterfield is helped off the field after injuring his knee. Picture: Jonathan Ng

GWS will be without young gun Will Setterfield for the 2018 season after scans confirmed the midfielder has torn his ACL.

The Giants’ horror run with injury continued on Friday night when the 20-year-old suffered the injury during the third term of a practice match against Sydney at Henson Park.

Setterfield is expected to undergo a traditional knee reconstruction.

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“This is a disappointing setback for Will who hadn’t put a foot wrong through the pre-season,” GWS athletic performance boss David Joyce said.

“We’ll consult with the surgeon in the coming days before mapping out a suitable rehabilitation program for Will.

“He’s a terrific young man and he’s got the full support of everyone at the Giants behind him.”

Will Setterfield is helped off the field after injuring his knee. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Setterfield was in the mix to play in Round 1 against Western Bulldogs and add to the Giants’ already strong onball brigade.

The No.5 pick from the 2016 draft has had an injury-interrupted start to his career after battling an ankle injury last year before making his debut in Round 18.

Setterfield played two games in his debut season.

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It is another major blow for the Giants who have already lost defender Zac Williams for the season with a torn achilles.

Small forward Toby Greene is also in a race against time to be bit for Round 1 after a toe injury derailed his pre-season. The All-Australian only resumed training last week.

The Giants endured a horror run with injury last year, losing 168 games from their best 25 players.