West Coast Eagles co-captain and star forward Oscar Allen has been ruled out for the season after going under the knife.
Allen, who is out of contract at the end of the year, has had patella tendon surgery to fix his knee after also injuring his leg against Carlton on Sunday.
The bottom-placed Eagles, who have a bye this week, will have to take on the rest of their season without their leader and key forward.
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Eagles' general manager of football, Gavin Bell, explained the surgery was to allow Allen the best chance to be ready by pre-season.
“Oscar has been dealing with some knee soreness related to his patella tendon and, after we gathered more information that he was unlikely to return this season due to his calf/Achilles injury, the decision was made by Oscar and the Club for him to undergo surgery today,” Bell said.
Allen is one of the biggest names that is out of contract at the end of the season, with many teams chasing his signature.
Brisbane is seen as a likely moving spot if he chooses to leave the Eagles after Lion star forward Joe Daniher retired at the end of last year, leaving a lot of money in their salary cap.
Allen was caught earlier this year meeting with Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell to talk about a potential trade to the Hawks, which sparked calls that he should be stood down as captain.
He was named as co-captain with teammate Liam Duggan for the last two years, and the Eagles have said they are trying to keep him at the club, but understand him meeting other clubs.
Allen is a restricted free agent, which means that teams can offer him a contract but will have to trade for him if the Eagles match the offer.
The Eagles have the bye this week before travelling to Melbourne to face ladder leaders Collingwood at Marvel Stadium.