North Melbourne youngster Brayden George has undergone off-season surgery to repair an elbow dislocation.
According to the Kangaroos, George sustained the ailment during an off-season training session back in his hometown of Wangaratta, in regional Victoria.
George was snapped up by the Roos with the No. 26 selection in the 2022 National Draft. The youngster didn't manage any playing time in his debut season, however, as he missed the entire campaign while recovering from an ACL injury he sustained during his draft year.
North Melbourne football boss Todd Viney expressed his disappointment at learning of George's latest setback.
"This is disappointing news for Brayden, especially after being sidelined for his whole first season with us," North Melbourne general manager of football Todd Viney said.
"He returned to full, unrestricted training in August and was looking forward to getting stuck into his first pre-season in the coming weeks.
"Brayden has shown tremendous strength of character and resilience during his ACL rehab this year and we know he will attack this injury with the same attitude."
Viney noted George's ailment shouldn't impact his availability for the start of next season.
"While this will obviously impact his pre-season, we expect Brayden to be back running soon with the aim to return to full unrestricted training in approximately 12 weeks," Viney added.
"We don't expect the injury to impact his availability for the upcoming season."
The Roos, whose list department just capped a free agency and trade period that included welcoming midfielder Dylan Stephens, forward Zac Fisher, and defenders Bigoa Nyuon and Toby Pink, will now shift their attention to the upcoming National Draft, which commences on November 20 and continues into the evening of November 21.
North currently holds picks 2, 3, 15, 17, 18, 57, and 82 at this year's count.
