Carlton Football Club has been dealt a devastating blow as young star Jagga Smith has been confirmed to have torn his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during a preseason match simulation against St Kilda. The club's third overall draft pick from 2024 was taken off the field early on Saturday, raising concerns about his fitness. Scans have since confirmed the worst; Smith will miss the entirety of the 2025 AFL season.
Football Manager Brad Lloyd expressed the overwhelming disappointment surrounding the news, stating, "It certainly was not the news we were expecting and we really feel for Jagga, he has not put a foot wrong from the second he walked...
This announcement arrives just weeks before the Blues are set to begin their season against Richmond on March 13, 2025. Lloyd emphasized Smith's professionalism and dedication, saying, "Jagga possesses incredible professionalism for someone so young and...he will soak up as much knowledge as he can from his teammates and coaches during his first year."
Smith, only 19 years old, had shown promising skills during his initial games with the team, and many fans and analysts were excited to see how he would perform throughout the season. The injury is particularly heart-wrenching not just because of his potential but also due to its timing, occurring just as he began gaining traction with the squad.
The news isn’t just tough for Smith but for the entire Carlton team. This injury puts pressure on the club as they brace for the upcoming season without one of their most promising young talents. The team had originally hoped for Smith to make substantial contributions, and his absence could ripple through their strategies.
Smith is expected to undergo surgery before beginning rehabilitation. The ACL injury, known for its demanding recovery process, could see him out of action for several months, though his focus on rehabilitation may offer some hope for his return to the field sooner rather than later. Lloyd noted, "While it is really unfortunate we won’t see Jagga out on the field this season, he will continue to... push himself to get...better every single day."
The disappointing injury news for Carlton did not end there. Melbourne’s Andy Moniz-Wakefield also suffered an ACL injury during their practice match against North Melbourne. He, too, will miss the entire 2025 season, underscoring the tough nature of preseason training leading up to the AFL campaign.
Melbourne assistant coach Troy Chaplin described Moniz-Wakefield's injury as sitting on the line of severity, saying, "...looked pretty nasty" when evaluated shortly after the match. A similar sentiment to the one surrounding Smith's injury—a collective season-derailing loss for both clubs involved.
While the AFL season opens its doors on March 6, the loss of such promising young players right before the season highlights the unpredictability and risks of professional sports. For now, Smith and Moniz-Wakefield must focus on their paths to recovery, with hope to return to action as stronger athletes when the time is right.
Despite the disappointment, as the season progresses, their teams will need to rally and navigate through these challenges, leaning on experienced players and reinvigorated strategies to maintain competitiveness throughout the 2025 AFL season.