SCANS have confirmed devastating news for Melbourne’s Jake Melksham and Luke Dunstan, with the pair sustaining Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries on the weekend.

Melksham came from the field during the third quarter of the Demons’ Round 24 win over Sydney on Sunday afternoon, following an innocuous injury to his left knee.

Initial fears were realised on Monday after the 31-year-old underwent scans upon return to Melbourne.

It followed a similar concern for Dunstan in the VFL earlier in the day, with the midfielder leaving the ground prior to half time in Casey’s Wildcard match against North Melbourne.

“Unfortunately, scans confirmed the worst for Jake and Luke this afternoon,” Melbourne’s GM of AFL Performance Alan Richardson said.

“It is incredibly disappointing news for both players, particularly on the eve of an AFL and VFL Finals Series. It really is a cruel part of our game.

“Jake and Luke have played very important roles for us in recent weeks and have done so with class and character. It is devastating to lose them at this point, but I have no doubt they will apply the same attitude and commitment to their respective rehabs. 

“Both players mean a lot to our football club, and we will be doing everything we can to support them through this difficult time.”