Taylor Walker will miss the rest of the 2013 season after scans revealed a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and damage to the lateral aspect of the joint in his right knee.

Walker will have a ‘traditional’ knee reconstruction and as part of the operation the surgeon will also repair the damage to the lateral aspect of the joint. The estimated recovery time for the injury is 12 months. He’s likely to have surgery later this week or early next week.

Walker, who turned 23 on ANZAC Day, injured his knee after landing awkwardly in a marking contest in the first quarter of the Crows’ clash with Carlton at the MCG.

The star forward was quickly substituted out of the game and had scans on his knee after arriving back in Adelaide. On Monday, Walker visited a specialist who delivered the bad news.

General Manager of Football Administration Phil Harper said: “The whole Club feels devastated for Taylor, but we know how professional he has become in his treatment of injuries.

“He will be given the best possible treatment and rehabilitation program to help him get his knee prepared for the rigours of AFL football.”

The former NSW Scholarship holder has kicked 163 goals in 69 games since making his AFL debut against Collingwood in Round One, 2009. He enjoyed a breakout season in 2012, bagging 63 goals in 19 matches to top Adelaide’s goalkicking and finish seventh in the Coleman Medal.

He kicked four or more goals on 11 occasions and was recognised for his performance, being included in the All Australian squad. Walker kicked 10 goals in five games this season.