Essendon forward Jaiden Hunter will likely miss the 2024 season, with scans confirming today that he has ruptured his ACL.

Hunter suffered the injury during a match simulation drill on Tuesday and underwent scans this afternoon to confirm the extent of his injury.

General Manager of AFL Daniel McPherson said the injury was disappointing for the 21-year-old. 

“Jaiden has worked extremely hard over the pre-season to return to full training following an injury interrupted end to 2023, so we are all extremely disappointed for him," McPherson said.

“The incident occurred in an innocuous marking contest during match simulation, where Jaiden was then assisted from the ground.

“Jaiden will undergo surgery in due course, and everyone at Essendon will be fully behind him as he commences his rehab journey.”

Essendon will provide a further update as his rehabilitation progresses.