Collingwood have had their worst fears confirmed about midfielder Brent Macaffer, who is set to miss the entire AFL season with a serious knee injury.
Scans have shown Macaffer tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the Magpies' pre-season cup opener against the Western Bulldogs in Blacktown at the weekend.
Collingwood say Macaffer will meet with a doctor on Monday night to discuss the surgery and rehabilitation process.
The 23-year-old has the option of the LARS process using a synthetic ligament, which could have him back on the field this season.
But the conventional option of a full knee reconstruction would rule him out for the year.
