North Melbourne's Josh Goater has suffered a setback in his right quad during Thursday's training session, putting a return to play on hold.
Goater was pulled from a VFL practice match more than a week ago against Essendon as a precaution after feeling tightness in the muscle, but wasn't tipped to miss much football.
"Josh has improved over the last week where we have controlled his exposure to high intensity kicks and overall kick volume," North Melbourne head of performance Kevin White said earlier in the week.
"He will look to train this Thursday with confidence to be available for selection.
Understand North Melbourne’s Josh Goater has possibly suffered a recurrence of his right quad injury at training today.
Had been listed as a test to return this week having been removed mid-game from a VFL practice match a fortnight ago.@zerohanger
— Jonty Ralphsmith (@JontyRalphsmith) March 26, 2026
The Arden Street club listed him as a 'test' on this week's injury list, but needed to tick off a fitness test before being made available for selection.
It comes as North Melbourne will be forced into at least one change ahead of Saturday's clash against Essendon at Marvel Stadium.
Key defender Griffin Logue has been struck down by a low-grade hamstring strain, and will miss at least two weeks.
Wil Dawson shapes as the likely replacement for Logue, while veteran Aidan Corr is also in selection consideration.
Coach Alastair Clarkson will contemplate bringing in George Wardlaw and recruit Charlie Spargo, while Callum Coleman-Jones, Riley Hardeman, Zac Banch and Robert Hansen Jnr remain in contention.
