The Wagga footballer successfully underwent surgery on Monday night after suffering a tear to his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in Port Adelaide’s loss to Fremantle on Saturday.

Howard was helped from the field during the third quarter of the clash with Fremantle in obvious pain.

Howard’s worst fears were confirmed on Monday when scans showed a tear to his ACL.

The 20-year-old underwent immediate surgery and Port Adelaide head of high performance, Darren Burgess, reported the operation was a success.

“In terms of the surgery, it all went well for ‘Dougs’, unfortunately it’s a pretty long road recovering from ACL injuries,” Burgess told portadelaidefc.com.au.

“It’s too early to say how long the rehab will actually take, but often it’s a return around the 12-month mark.

“He’ll be spending the next month trying to keep the knee stable and rested and from there he’ll progress into a strength and mobility program.”

The injury comes at a terrible time, just as Howard was enjoying a breakout season and cementing his place in the Port Adelaide team.

Howard made his AFL debut in round two against Adelaide and had managed four straight before going down against the Dockers.

Experienced Port Adelaide forward Jay Schulz said the entire Power playing group were behind Howard.

“Obviously anyone that does a knee is extremely flat but he will do his best and the boys will throw their arms around him as best they can and help him out with that,” Schulz said.

“It’s going to be a long period of time for him but we will do our best to help him out.

“He’s a positive and funny kid as well, he’s really sarcastic and I don’t expect that to change too much

“Our young groups that have come in over the last three or four years, they’re really tight with each other so he will have support wherever he looks or whenever he needs it. The boys are only ever a phone call away.”