North Melbourne young gun Harry Sheezel has conceded he's unlikely to face the Western Bulldogs this week and could see his 2024 campaign cut short due to an ankle injury sustained in Round 22.
Sheezel was left hampered from the Kangaroos' loss to West Coast in Tasmania over the weekend, with the Rising Star winner having since manned a moon boot as the club takes a conservative approach with the teenager's potential setback.
The former Pick 3 selection will need to prove his fitness over the coming days to continue this consecutive games streak, which sits at 44 matches since his AFL debut in Round 1 last year.
The low-grade ankle injury has Sheezel racing against the clock to face the Western Bulldogs on Sunday, with the Roos ball magnet revealing to SEN that he's unlikely to suit up for the game at this stage.
The North Melbourne star revealed the injury could even put a line through his prospects of playing in the Roos' final game of the home and away season against Hawthorn in Round 24.
"I don't think I will play this week," Sheezel said. "I'm probably going to miss this week.
"I'll give myself every chance to maybe play the last game against the Hawks, but it could be season over."
The timing of Sheezel's expected absence will marry up with backman Zac Fisher being cleared to return this week from a foot injury, while fellow second-year player George Wardlaw is in line to play his first game in three weeks following a period in concussion protocols.
Recruit Dylan Stephens (ankle) and Jaidyn Stephenson (hand) are also in the mix to return from injury to face the Dogs at Marvel Stadium, while Charlie Lazzaro could also be considered for a recall after being on standby in recent weeks.
North Melbourne will name their extended Round 23 squad at 6:20pm (AEST) on Thursday evening, with the side to be reduced further on Friday before final teams are announced an hour out from Sunday's 1:10pm bounce.