North Melbourne are hoping in-form defender Charlie Comben has avoided "significant damage" to his back after a marking contest led to the backman's afternoon in Bunbury on Sunday being cut short.
Comben was subbed out of the eventual win over West Coast in the third quarter after copping a knee to his upper back, with the pain limiting the Roos tall.
Having dealt with shoulder issues in the past, the Roos assessed Comben's latest ailment and put a line through the 23-year-old returning to the field due to a back complaint,
Comben is set to be sent for scans in Western Australia ahead of North Melbourne's second interstate home game against Fremantle, with North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson hopeful Comben won't miss much action.
"We're uncertain, he'll need to get a scan," Clarkson said after his side's 10-point win.
"He got a knee to his upper back in a marking contest and had a fair amount of discomfort.
"He's had shoulder problems before, but this is upper back. I'm not sure if that's going to be bruised or other damage, but he didn't return to full function after he got assessed.
"At that stage of the game, you're nearly ready to use your sub anyway.
"We hope for the best that his scan comes back with no significant damage."
Clarkson will be able to look to his depth of defenders to potentially replace Comben, with the Roos able to call on one of Kallan Dawson, Matt Whitlock or Wil Dawson for the Dockers clash.
Veteran defender Aidan Corr was ruled out of the West Coast game due to calf tightness and could be available if he is cleared to return.
"These key players are great players for a reason, you wish you had them out there," Clarkson added of Comben's absence. "That's the game, isn't it?
"If Charlie's scan results aren't promising and he needs to miss next week or the next slab of time, then we'll replace him with the next bloke."
West Coast will remain in WA ahead of their next game against Fremantle, which will be held at Optus Stadium on Saturday night.
Sunday's win put the Roos on 14 premiership points for the year, taking them past Richmond to sit 16th on the ladder.
