Devastated Brisbane Lions utility Brent Staker won't play at all during the 2012 AFL season after choosing to undergo a traditional knee reconstruction.

The luckless Staker is set to have surgery next week on the same knee that underwent a LARS procedure after his opening-round injury against Fremantle.

The 27-year-old ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament for the second time just six weeks into his comeback in the Lions' penultimate round clash against his former club, West Coast.

While another LARS operation could have had him back on the paddock for 2012, Staker made his decision after seeking several medical opinions including Sydney doctor Daniel Biggs, who worked with Swan Nick Malceski.

Staker said the traditional reconstruction, and 12 months of rehabilitation, was his only realistic option and he was now focussed on returning in 2013.

"The writing was on the wall that I had to get traditional [surgery], but missing another season is devastating," Staker told the AFL website.

"That joy of playing footy you can't replace in day-to-day life, that thrill of running out on the field in that team environment, I'm going to miss it.

"It's not the end of the world but that's 22 games I'll miss out on. I just have to get on with it and get bigger and stronger for 2013."

Staker was the one success story from Brisbane coach Michael Voss' vigorous trading activity at the end of 2009.

The athletic former Eagle was among the Lions best players in 2010 as he performed key roles in both attack and defence, playing all 22 rounds.

Staker admitted he hit rock bottom after scans showed the damage to his ACL from a seemingly-innocuous knock against West Coast at the Gabba two weeks ago.

"I was pretty flat after having such a solid year rehab-wise and getting myself back into the team, it's not easy," he said.

"For it to happen again, quite frankly, it's shattering.

"I didn't take any short cuts last time and I won't take any this time. I want to give myself the best possible chance.

"I took it as a challenge last time and I'm going to take it as another challenge this time. The light at the end of the tunnel is 2013 and that's my goal at the moment."

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