St Kilda key defender Hugh Goddard successfully underwent surgery to repair his ruptured Achilles tendon on Thursday night.

The highly-rated 19-year-old suffered the injury in the Saints loss to the Crows at Adelaide Oval last Sunday night and is set to miss the remainder of the 2016 season.

After playing the final eight games of his debut season last year, Goddard made his first appearance of 2016 against the Crows. But his season was brought to a devastating end just before half time when his foot gave way in an innocuous incident.

St Kilda GM - Football Performance Jamie Cox said Goddard’s surgery went according to plan on Thursday night, plotting the first milestone in what is set to be a long comeback for the 2014 first round pick.

“Hughie’s surgery went to plan, with the surgeon happy with the procedure,” Cox told saints.com.au on Friday afternoon.

“He’s a resilient young man who has coped with this disappointing setback so impressively.

“We are confident he will approach his rehabilitation with professionalism and diligence, and will have the full support of the club throughout his recovery period.”

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