Aaron Nietschke Biography

Scans confirm an ACL tear for Aaron Nietschke, suffered during the Demons' VFL practice match with Richmond.

"Scans have unfortunately confirmed that Aaron has ruptured his ACL and will again miss a large portion of the year," Demons head of football Alan Richardson said.

"This is absolutely devastating news for Aaron and the club, as he was preparing for the season ahead.

"Unfortunately, he hasn't been able to play consistent football since he was drafted due to injury.

Melbourne delists Aaron Nietschke, who has undergone two knee reconstructions in his two years at the Demons, but the club has committed to re-drafting him in the 2020 NAB AFL Rookie Draft.

Aaron Nietschke ends his first full year at the club with a second anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Nietschke initially ruptured the ACL in his right knee in February, before re-injuring the same knee at last Friday's training session in a devastating blow for the 19-year-old.

He will almost certainly miss the entire season, meaning his two-year deal would expire without him playing a game. However, the Demons have already told him they will offer him a new contract.

Melbourne draftee Aaron Nietschke will miss the entire 2019 season after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee at training.

"This is obviously a tough time for Aaron – as a club we will ensure we put the best support around him during the rehab process, like we do for all our players," Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney said.

Melbourne select Aaron Nietschke with pick No.53 in the 2018 National Draft.

Nietschke, recruited from South Australia, averaged 32 disposals to win the league best and fairest in the SANFL Under 18s, showing an ability to win the ball in the middle.

Demons national recruiting manager Jason Taylor said the Demons recruiters got lost venturing out to Nietschke's family farm near Tanunda in South Australia, a small country town of approximately 4,800 people.

"They're pretty isolated out there in Tanunda but we're pleased to bring Aaron to the footy club.

"Siri took us down a dirt road, so I blame Siri for that one."

Melbourne select Aaron Nietschke with pick No.53 in the 2018 National Draft.

“At the start I’ll probably be an outside mid in a wing/half-back sort of role, but I’d love to work into the midfield as my career goes on,” Nietschke said.

“I’m just excited about meeting all the new people and just working in an elite environment – that’ll be pretty cool.”