North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson has confirmed that young star Harry Sheezel will miss this weekend's clash against the Western Bulldogs.
Sheezel's remarkable consistency and durability will officially come to an end, putting a halt to his 44-game run streak since being drafted with Pick 3 of the 2022 National Draft.
Clarkson said the youngster picked up the injury during the loss to West Coast but still has a chance to return in Round 24.
"We're going to have to rule Sheez out, we'll see how he is for next week," Clarkson said.
"We want to look after him because he's a really important player for us.
"We've taken every bit of precaution this week to just put him in a boot and just keep the weight off his leg.
"It'll be different not having him out there but we have to look after him."
However, news was more positive for teammate and fellow 2022 draftee member George Wardlaw, who has exited concussion protocols.
Wardlaw copped an errant whack to the jaw against Geelong but experienced lingering effects during the week, ruling him out for the mandatory 12 days and subsequently two matches.
This is the second time the midfield bull has suffered from concussion this season but coach Clarkson said there was no reason to panic given how he attacks the football.
"The incident in the back end of the Geelong game, he didn't even know he was concussed," Clarkson said.
"He thought he just got a whack to the jaw, and that's what he got assessed with after the game, and nothing to do with the concussion.
"Hopefully he just gets a good run now.
"In terms of the way that he plays, take that away from him, and it probably takes away a fair bit of his footy, so we'll let him just play organically and see how he goes."
Clarkson didn't confirm whether Wardlaw will return for the Bulldogs clash, flagging a potential run in the VFL against Southport.