In a brutal pre-season setback, the Carlton Football Club has confirmed young gun Jesse Motlop will miss the entire 2026 AFL season after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his knee.
Shattering Blow for Rising Star
The devastating news was first reported by 7NEWS chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary, revealing the injury occurred during training. This is a particularly cruel blow for the 23-year-old, who is coming off a career-best year in 2025.
Motlop played all 23 games for the Blues last season, cementing his place in the senior side. His form peaked at the perfect time, with a new career-high of 22 disposals in Carlton's final-round victory over traditional rivals Essendon.
Contract Security Amidst Personal Setback
The timing of the injury adds an extra layer of frustration, given Motlop's recent commitment to the club. He inked a fresh two-year contract extension in September 2025, a deal that was set to keep him at Ikon Park until at least the end of the 2027 season.
Originally selected with pick No. 22 in the 2021 AFL draft, Motlop has now played 63 games across his four seasons at the elite level. He is the son of former AFL player Daniel Motlop, who had stints with North Melbourne and Port Adelaide.
A Growing List of ACL Casualties
Motlop's injury continues an alarming trend of ACL setbacks across the league in the current pre-season. He becomes the latest player struck down, following North Melbourne defender Jackson Archer, who suffered the same fate just this past Monday.
Furthermore, Essendon star Nic Martin was forced to undergo a second round of knee surgery in November 2025, which also ruled him out for the entirety of the upcoming 2026 season. The spate of injuries will likely prompt further discussion within the sport about prevention and management of the debilitating knee condition.
For Carlton, the loss of a fit and in-form Motlop is a significant hurdle as they finalise their preparations for the new season. The club's medical and coaching staff will now focus on supporting the young forward through a long rehabilitation process with an eye on a return for the 2027 campaign.
