GEELONG utility Nathan Vardy’s season is almost certainly over after he ruptured the ACL in his right knee at training on Saturday morning. 

Vardy, 22, had scans following the incident which confirmed the diagnosis. 

"Obviously this is tremendously disappointing for Nathan and the team," Geelong's football manager Neil Balme told the club’s website.

"As is often the case, the injury happened in an innocuous situation at training. Nathan and our medical team will consult with specialists ahead of surgery to repair his knee. At this stage we do not have a timetable on surgery.

"Nathan had enjoyed a really good pre-season and has shown that he can compete and play well at AFL level."

It’s a cruel blow for the injury-prone Vardy who established himself as the Cats’ No.1 ruckman in 2013 after injuries to Hamish McIntosh and Dawson Simpson.

Vardy recently told AFL.com.au he was hoping to hold down a key forward post in 2014 and let McIntosh or Simpson reclaim the main role in the ruck. 

Essendon midfielder Alex Browne was the most recent player to suffer a torn ACL, ruling him out of the 2014 season.