Geelong defender Jackson Thurlow will miss the entire 2016 AFL season after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

Thurlow was stretchered from the ground during Saturday’s pre-season victory over Essendon in Shepparton, with scans on Monday confirming the severity of the injury.

The 20-year-old Thurlow enjoyed a breakout season in 2015, playing 19 senior games and earning a Rising Star nomination.