Injury-prone ruckman Jason Laycock has had surgery on his foot and will miss the rest of the 2010 season.
General manager of football operations Paul Hamilton said the 25-year-old broke a bone in his foot playing for the Bendigo Bombers in Round 6.
""Unfortunately, the only option for Jason was to have this surgery which will mean he misses the next 14 weeks of football,"" Hamilton said.
""He is very disappointed and so is the football club because he is a talented player.
""His focus now will be on getting his body right and doing his recovery and rehabilitation for the rest of the year.
""Jason is a contracted player and he will receive the best care the club can provide him as he works to get his body right.""
Laycock failed to play a senior game in 2009 after suffering a navicular (foot) problem. He played 19 games in 2007 and 16 games in 2008 for a career total of 58.
Speaking to media today, Knights admitted the Tasmanian father of three - who is in the final year of his two-year contract - has faced enormous challenges over his career.
""Very disappointing for the young man, but life is tough at times - he's just got to face those challenges and we've just got to face those with him and keep supporting him,"" Knights said.
""Whatever decisions will be made on the list will be made at the end of the year when we bring all parties together. There has been no decision made on Jason's career, that will be made in due course towards the end of the year.""
Hamilton said Laycock is the club's only serious injury with Melksham (ankle), Slattery (ribs) and Hooker (hamstring) all likely to return within one or two weeks.
He said no decison has been made about placing Laycock on the long-term injured list and upgrading a rookie.
