Having finally returned to form with a bag of six goals, Melbourne forward Tom McDonald's AFL season is almost certainly over.
Scans have confirmed McDonald tore the meniscus in his left knee during Sunday's five-point win over Carlton at the MCG.
The key forward sat out the last quarter of the game, having delivered his biggest haul of the season to help guide Melbourne to their fifth win.
"The good news is that I haven't done an ACL or anything too severe," McDonald told SEN radio.
"I'll meet the surgeon but it will probably require some surgery so it might be tough playing again this year.
"It could be a lot worse."
McDonald booted 53 goals in 2018 to help guide Melbourne to a preliminary final but both player and team have since performed well below expectations.
Before the Carlton game, McDonald had booted just 12 goals for the season and had seven games in which he was held goalless.
The Demons could be forced into several changes for Sunday's clash with the resurgent Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium.
Young defender Marty Hore broke his collarbone when he landed awkwardly after a hard, but fair, bump from Carlton opponent Sam Petrevski-Seton.
The Dees also lost Harrison Petty to a concussion in the third quarter.
Coach Simon Goodwin confirmed Jake Lever was likely to return for the Bulldogs clash, while Neville Jetta could also be considered after both recovered from knee injuries.
Superstar ruckman Max Gawn is also a likely starter, having failed to overcome a rolled ankle in time to line up against the Blues.
