Collingwood rookie Kayle Kirby's AFL season is likely over after being diagnosed with a heart condition, months after he collapsed during a VFL practice match.
The 19-year-old was taken from the field in an ambulance after collapsing midway through the match at Collingwood's training base on March 31.
Kirby, who played his sole AFL game in round 23 last year, was found to have suffered an irregular heartbeat and tests have since revealed an underlying heart condition.
"Kayle will be monitored by club medical staff and his cardiologist over the next three months during which time his response to a light training program will also be tracked," the Magpies said in a statement on Friday.
"Kayle is unlikely to return to playing during this three month period.
"A further update will be provided at the conclusion of this time."
Kirby's situation is similar to that of St Kilda defender Dylan Roberton, who has also been effectively ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Roberton collapsed off the ball during St Kilda's round-four game against Geelong.
He is set to undergo further tests with doctors unsure of the cause of his heart problems.
The 26-year-old on Thursday said further testing and monitoring, which has involved a device being implanted in his chest, would take around three months.
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