North Melbourne star Ben Cunnington will undergo chemotherapy following the emergence of a second cancer tumour.
The Kangaroos veteran underwent surgery on a testicular tumour in July, prompting an end to his 2021 campaign as he planned his recovery from the procedure.
North Melbourne confirmed on Sunday that a medical check-up detected a second tumour.
Cunnington is expected to make a full recovery following a lengthy course of chemotherapy across the next several months.
"North Melbourne is providing its full support to club great Ben Cunnington, who will undergo chemotherapy after a routine post-surgery medical check-up detected a secondary cancer this week," the statement reads
"Cunnington had surgery in July after the discovery of a testicular tumour.
"He will now undergo a nine-week course of chemotherapy and is expected to make a full recovery.
"Due to the sensitive nature of this news, North Melbourne asks that privacy is afforded to Ben, his immediate and extended family, friends, teammates, coaches and staff."
Cunnington has played 227 games for the Kangaroos since making his debut with the club in 2010, winning two Syd Barker Medals in his time at Arden Street.