Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew says his heart sank after losing another player to an AFL season-ending injury.
Just days after Wil Powell was ruled out for the remainder of 2022 following his sickening ankle break, forward Joel Jeffrey was given the bad news that his campaign is over as well.
Jeffrey was sent off for scans after feeling pain in his knee during Sunday's 43-point win over Adelaide.
The scan revealed a lateral meniscus tear, and the 20-year-old underwent surgery earlier this week to ascertain the extent of the damage.
Dew was left shocked when surgery revealed it was a serious injury.
"It's one we were really surprised by given it wasn't too sore (on Sunday)," Dew said.
"But when he walked in on Monday hobbling my heart sank a bit because I was just disappointed for him. He's done a lot of work to get to where he is.
"You just want your young lads playing."
Jeffrey shot to prominence with a five-goal haul against the Western Bulldogs in round 10.
He has played nine games since making his debut last year but will now prepare himself for 2023.
Powell underwent surgery earlier this week after suffering a fracture and ligament damage to his right ankle.
The injury, in which Powell's ankle was bent sideways, was so gruesome the broadcaster chose not to replay it.
Powell says the surgery went well, and he thanked supporters for their well wishes.
Gold Coast (7-6) have won five of their past six games to catapult themselves into the finals mix.
The Suns face Port Adelaide (6-7) at Adelaide Oval on Sunday in a fixture crucial to the finals hopes of both sides.
