INJURED Crows forward Brett Burton will explore the option of revolutionary knee surgery after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee against Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday.

Burton suffered the injury making a seemingly innocuous change of direction and, at age 30, will look at all his options before deciding on a definite course of action.

Sydney Swans defender Nick Malceski made headlines earlier this season when he returned to AFL action just 12 weeks after rupturing the ACL in his right knee.

Malceski underwent a procedure developed by a French surgeon in which his knee was rebuilt with an industrial-strength synthetic fibre. This particular surgery is only appropriate for certain types of ACL injuries, but skipper Simon Goodwin said the time was right for the high-flying veteran to, at least, explore the option.

“At age 30, I think you look at every possible option. All those scenarios will go through the doctors’ and also Brett’s mind,” Goodwin said.

“They’ll certainly look at that avenue, but whether they go down that path, I’m not sure.”

Burton appeared at West Lakes on Sunday morning aided by crutches, but determined to add to his 163-game career.

“Brett is fine. He’s obviously very disappointed, but he’s a pretty upbeat character around the footy club. He’ll deal with his injury and he’s had lots of them over his career. He’s just going to look at every possible option and go from there,” Goodwin said.

“Brett is a fantastic leader around the footy club and he’s been in this situation many times with his body. He won’t be backing off at all.”

Jason Porplyzia will join Burton at the surgeon’s office on Monday after his shoulder popped out again just ten minutes into the loss to Collingwood.

Porplyzia has been managing the injury since May, but doctors were unable to put his shoulder back into place on Saturday, suggesting the joint has deteriorated and could require immediate surgery.

The classy forward had been hoping to postpone any operation until after the season, but the surgeon will decide his fate on Monday. Regardless of whether Porplyzia has the surgery, he will miss at least two weeks.