The AFL community rallied around Western Bulldogs captain Bob Murphy after scans established he had ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

The Dogs confirmed the popular 33-year-old defender would consult with orthopedic surgeon David Young about surgery options for his knee, which also sustained medial ligament damage when he landed awkwardly in the dying moments of the agonising Round 3 loss to Hawthorn.

“Bob’s scans have just come in and they do confirm that he has ruptured his ACL and he has some medial ligament damage as well,” football manager Graham Lowe told the club’s website.

“We’re going to give Bob the next few days to consider his position, and [his] plans for moving forward.

“The club will support him in any way we can to make sure we support him in making the right decision for him and his family.”

Earlier in the day coach Luke Beveridge said he would let the dust settle before discussing the future with his skipper, but indicated he was willing to back Murphy in to recover and return to AFL football.

“In recent times Bob and I have been talking about his future, and he’s been really keen to keep playing beyond this year,” Beveridge said.

“I’ve been really keen for him to keep playing for another couple of years and maybe even three.

“I’m hopeful that once it all settles and if it does confirm the worst after lunch time, that Bob’s still got a bright future as a player and as the captain of our footy club.”