Jared Polec, the Brisbane Lions' top pick from last year's national draft, will be sidelined for up to a month after injuring his knee at training on Thursday.
The 18-year-old from Woodville-West Torrens has undergone surgery to repair a 'bucket handle tear' of the lateral meniscus in his left knee.
According to the club, Polec is likely to miss 3-4 weeks.
Polec announced himself with 11 disposals in a remarkable first quarter on debut against Melbourne in Round 3.
He's the latest of several new draftees at the club to be struck down by injury.
Ryan Lester, Brisbane's second-round selection last November, won't play again this season because of ligament damage in his right foot while 19 year-old Claye Beams has also been ruled out for the season with a navicular fracture in his foot.