North Melbourne defender Ed Vickers-Willis has been ruled out for the rest of the season after rupturing his ACL against Fremantle.
He has become the third player to suffer an ACL injury in round one following injuries to Alex Rance and Tom Doedee.
“We’re extremely disappointed for Ed who has worked extremely hard since his PCL injury to get back to playing footy,” North GM football Cameron Joyce told nmfc.com.au.
“He made the seamless transition back into the side throughout the JLT series and looked to be well positioned for a great season.
“He is a diligent worker and a true professional which will hold him in good stead on his road to recovery.”
This isn’t the first time that Vickers-Willis has had his season interrupted by injury.
Last season his year ended after he damaged his PCL in round seven after colliding with a goalpost.
Prior to that he had two shoulder reconstructions which limited his ability to play in his first two years in the league.
All these injuries have meant that he has only managed 15 games in his five seasons with North so far.
However, at only 22 there is still time for him to get healthy and cement a place in North’s best 22.