By Jonty Ralphsmith
The West Coast Eagles have confirmed that former Dandenong Stingray Jai Culley suffered a ruptured ACL in the club’s loss to Richmond at the MCG on Saturday.
Culley was substituted out of the game in the first quarter after landing awkwardly in a marking contest at the 12-minute mark.
The 20-year-old was emotional at quarter time as he suspected the worst.
It’s a cruel blow for Culley, who was nominated for the rising star two weeks ago for his four goal effort in a 40-point loss to Port Adelaide.
Given the Eagles’ injury crisis, he would have had the opportunity to get lots of minutes under his belt at AFL level this season after making his first appearance in round four.
“It is a terribly disappointing result for him and the club only nine games into his AFL career,” said General Manager Football Gavin Bell on Sunday.
“We know Jai will attack his rehabilitation with the utmost professionalism and determination, and the club will support him through the process.”
Culley, a Langwarrin junior, was a popular teammate at the Stingrays in 2022, picked with the first selection of the mid-season rookie draft.
