Collingwood fear scans on Friday will show Lynden Dunn has ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament for a second time in a knee injury suffered in his first game back from a knee reconstruction.

The Magpies backman fell awkwardly in the third quarter of a VFL practice match against Richmond at Punt Rd Oval before Thursday night’s AFL blockbuster at the neighbouring MCG.

It is the same knee that he injured in a clash with Gold Coast in June last year that ended his season.

Despite the potentially career-ending setback, the 31-year-old was on hand to greet his teammates as they came off the ground following a 44-point win over the Tigers

“We didn’t mention it pre-game but it filtered through to the boys before they took the field,” coach Nathan Buckley said.

“The prognosis is not good but we’ll wait for scans on that.”

Dunn has played 31 games in two seasons with the Pies since crossing from Melbourne.

A second knee reconstruction would almost certainly rule him out for the rest of the year.

“Dunny is a much-loved member of our football club,” Buckley continued.

“He gives so much of himself and he’s contributed so much since coming across.

“We really value what he brings to the table on and off the field.

“His teammates will rally around him regardless of what the final scan shows.”