More bad news for North Melbourne as gun midfielder George Wardlaw has once again been sidelined with a hamstring injury, and is set to miss up to a month.
Wardlaw came from the ground during Friday's VFL practice match against the Casey Demons, with scans confirming the setback.
"Scans confirmed a low-grade strain similar to the previous injury in the same area," North Melbourne head of performance Kevin White said.
"He has presented really well today and will look to return to play in the next 3-4 weeks."
Improving ruckman Taylor Goad has also been struck down for a similar timeframe after he was helped from the ground following an ankle injury at training last week.
"The initial phase is reducing swelling and soreness around the ankle before progressing with leg loading, which can take time," White added.
"Once functional and pain-free, he will reload and build from there."
Good news for youngster Riley Hardeman, who was suspected to have suffered a nasty injury against Melbourne last week.
Scans revealed a medium-grade ankle sprain, which could keep Hardeman in with a spot at Round 1.
Veterans Aidan Corr and Luke McDonald are one week away from returning, while Colby McKercher is on track to return in a fortnight.
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