But the super-talented half-forward, who hasn't played at the highest level since 2011, isn't one for sitting around bemoaning his misfortune.
Instead, he has thrown himself into a range of off-field jobs, including working for the AFL Players' Association and doing special comments on K-Rock radio.
"It keeps me busy, which is good because it keeps my mind off my knee and off footy, I guess," Menzel told the AFL Record.
"And it will give me an idea of what I want to do down the track."
For good measure, the 22-year-old has also taken up coaching.
Menzel first dipped his toes in the coaching waters last season when he helped out with an under-14 team at Geelong league club Newtown & Chilwell.
"Then this year," he explained, "they turned it back on me and said, 'Why don't you coach the team?'
"So I thought about it, and it worked out I could get to most of the games, so I thought, 'Yeah, why not?' I'm loving it so far."
The AFL Record caught up with Menzel when his team took on Torquay in a match played on a cold and drizzly morning at a windswept oval on Victoria's surf coast.
Despite the wintry weather, Menzel's young charges wore sleeveless jumpers and revelled in the conditions.
And their enthusiasm rubbed off on their coach, who encouraged them switch the play, take the game on and, most importantly, to have fun.
"It makes you remember you junior days growing up and how much fun it was," Menzel said after his team suffered a narrow loss.
"I've got a great bunch of kids out here. They all listen and take a lot on board, and for me to see them improve is really exciting."
