North Melbourne 2020 first-round selection Will Phillips is understood to be battling glandular fever just 11 days out from his side's Round 1 opener against Hawthorn.
Phillips was absent from Sunday's AAMI Community Series clash against Sydney after originally being named on David Noble's extended interchange for the match at GIANTS Stadium.
The young Roo is set to enter his second season at Arden Street and tasted senior action on 16 occasions in 2021, including a run of nine straight games to round out North Melbourne's wooden spoon season.
As first reported by AFL Media, the 19-year-old was found to have succumbed to the infectious disease after reporting fatigue prior to the club's flight to the Harbour City.
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The Oakleigh Chargers product will now spend the remainder of the week off away from teammates.
Despite claims that Phillips will rejoin the remainder of Noble's joeys on the training track next week, it is not yet known whether the fledgling midfielder will feature for the Roos in Round 1.
North Melbourne are scheduled to start their season against historic rivals Hawthorn at the MCG on Sunday, March 20.
