Injury-prone Crow Wayne Milera will miss the rest of the 2024 season after scans revealed he ruptured his patella tendon in his right knee in an awkward landing during the his side's loss to Fremantle on Friday night.
Adelaide confirmed the news on Sunday.
It's another cruel blow for the 26-year-old, who's managed just one 20-plus game season in his nine-year career.
Milera missed the entire 2021 season after suffering the same injury in his left knee during preseason.
Wayne Milera headed for medical treatment after this awkward landing. #AFLFreoCrows pic.twitter.com/GNhqdv22Fr
— AFL (@AFL) March 29, 2024
Initial fears of an ACL tear have been cleared, but with news just as sour as the Crows look to climb up the ladder into finals for the first time since 2017.
Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks conceded Milera's injury "looked a little worse" and would require scans alongside another knee complaint suffered by Lachlan Murphy.
Milera is due for surgery in the coming days.
"It's obviously devastating for Wayne who has dealt with his fair share of unfortunate injuries in his career so far," Adelaide high performance manager Darren Burgess said.
"The surgery will mean he will miss the rest of the season while focusing on his rehabilitation.
"Unfortunately, he has been through this before so he knows the road ahead, but as we know with Wayne he is a very strong, positive person who will do everything to ensure he returns bigger and better next year."
