AFL player suffers horrific leg break after clashing with post

Collingwood player Tim Broomhead suffered a horrific injury after breaking his leg in his side's AFL game against Greater Western Sydney in the weekend.

Broomhead underwent surgery on Sunday after he broke the tibia and fibula in his left leg in a sickening collision during the first quarter of the 16-point loss at the MCG.

Broomhead will face anywhere up to a year on the sidelines after suffering the serious injury.

He threw his left leg at a loose ball as it bounced toward the goal line in an effort to kick a goal but instead collided heavily with the goalpost.

The 24-year-old smacked the turf in pain then remained prone face down on the turf behind the goal as his teammates celebrated before the gravity of his injury became apparent.

"It's terrible luck for a young bloke who is still trying to prove himself and make his way in the game," coach Nathan Buckley said.

"You don't take the field thinking you're going to walk off like that, but unfortunately it's happened.

"Broomy is a well-loved, well-respected member of our footy club, so there's no doubt it impacts."

- AAP