Christian Petracca suffered a severe injury setback, undergoing surgery overnight after a heavy collision in Monday's King's Birthday loss to Collingwood.
The Melbourne superstar suffered four broken ribs and a lacerated spleen, with a small puncture to his lung.
What happened?
Petracca took a heavy knock to the ribs from a flying Darcy Moore, clutching his side in agony, and was escorted to the rooms at the break.
He was eventually taken to hospital in an ambulance, with Melbourne football boss Alan Richardson saying his health is the number one priority.
Why it matters for Christian Petracca
The Demons' decision to send Petracca back out during the game has been heavily criticized, with North Melbourne premiership player David King questioning the risk.
King said on SEN: "You have to play the long game with this one, I'm not sending him back out there knowing that there's at least some sort of rib damage."
What comes next?
Petracca's return-to-play timeline will be determined during the week, with Richardson saying the next few weeks will be crucial for his recovery.
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin feared Petracca had damaged his ribs, but couldn't confirm the extent of the setback.
The Demons superstar took responsibility for returning to the field, defending his club medicos on Instagram.
As of Tuesday, Petracca's condition was being closely monitored, with the club providing an update on his injury.
David King said on Fox Footy: "You can't help but feel this is their season walking off, he's the reason they score, he's the reason their forward 50 corrects."
Petracca's injury is a significant blow to Melbourne, with the 28-year-old midfielder a key player for the team.
The club will be hoping for a speedy recovery, with Petracca's health and recovery the top priorities right now.