THE Carlton Football Club can confirm that Irish recruit Matt Duffy is expected to be sidelined for the next 12 months after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament.

Duffy experienced the injury during a Gaelic football match in Ireland, which he had been participating in to maintain conditioning ahead of his arrival in Australia.  

“We really feel for Matt who had worked so hard to earn this opportunity, but we have told him we are committed to supporting him right throughout his recovery,” General Manager of Football Brad Lloyd said.

“Matt had been doing everything possible back home in Ireland to ensure when he officially joined the Club, he would be ready to handle the rigours of an AFL pre-season. It’s really unfortunate he will now be sidelined, however he will have all the resources he needs to ensure he makes a full recovery.”