North Melbourne have been dealt another injury blow with young defender Sam Durdin set to miss up to ten weeks.
Durdin suffered a deep cut to his pinky finger, which will leave out of full training for around two months.
The injury dents Durdinโs chances of a breakout season.
The 22-year-old has managed nine games since being drafted in 2014, but has failed to make himself part of the best 22 consistently.
The injury comes at a frustrating time for North Melbourne too.
The Kangaroos will now have four defenders unavailable for round one, with Durdin, Majak Daw (hip/pelvis), Robbie Tarrant (A/C joint) and Scott Thompson (suspension) all set to miss although the side are hopeful that Tarrant will be fit.
This will undoubtedly cause headaches for Brad Scott. He will have to find players to match up on the likes of Rory Lobb and Jesse Hogan in round one against Fremantle.
