Port Adelaide midfielder David Rodan has undergone radical knee surgery in a bid to play in the 2010 AFL season.

Rodan ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during a training drill on Wednesday, an injury normally requiring a full reconstruction and 12 months of rehabilitation.

But the club said on Friday the 26-year-old had undergone the more radical LARS surgery.

The same procedure was successfully used on Nick Malceski in 2008, the Sydney Swans player returning to the field after several months on the sidelines.

The ligament augmentation and reconstruction system (LARS) involves using a ligament made of industrial-strength polyester fibres to replace the torn natural ligament.

In theory the new ligament will be as strong from day one as it will ever be.

The radical approach could allow Rodan to return for the Power by mid-season.

Football operations manager Peter Rohde said Rodan's injury was disappointing for the club.

"He's proven to be a key player in our midfield since joining the club in 2007, with the ability to consistently break lines and carry the football," Rohde said.

In 2005 Rodan suffered a similar injury to his right knee while playing for Richmond and underwent a conventional reconstruction.

Last season he played 19 games for the Power, taking his tally to 66 since debuting for the club.

He also led the club in clearances in 2009 and was third in handballs and hardball gets.

Rodan's injury soured a good week for the club after it picked up Scott Harding from the Brisbane Lions and Cameron Cloke from Carlton through the pre-season and rookie drafts.

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