Essendon can confirm Lewis Hayes has re-injured his ACL.

The 21-year-old key defender had a hyperextension incident in the second quarter of his return VFL match on Sunday.

Despite getting though the game, he reported with knee soreness on Monday morning, and subsequent scans have confirmed damage to his ACL.

Essendon's AFL General Manager Daniel McPherson said the Club’s focus is on supporting Hayes through his rehab and recovery journey. 

“This is incredibly tough news for Lewis, who has put in a mountain of work and shown incredible commitment and resilience over the past 12 months, following his original ACL injury which occurred during his AFL debut early last season,” McPherson said. 

“Lewis is an outstanding individual and a highly valued member of our football club, so to suffer another ACL injury after everything he has put into his rehab and recovery is shattering. 

“He has attacked every challenge placed in front of him with professionalism and determination, and we have no doubt he will approach this setback the same way.” 

Hayes will meet with specialists in the coming days to determine next steps.