North Melbourne is hopeful that Colby McKercher will be available for Round 1 despite having surgery on Tuesday on a cracked finger.
McKercher's left arm was in a sling at Wednesday's training session, with the classy left-footer sustaining the injury late last week.
The former Pick 2 has been a star on the track throughout the pre-season, and will still be pushing for senior selection against Port Adelaide on March 15.
The Kangaroos also provided an update on ruckman Taylor Goad, who was limping from the field today.
North Melbourne say it’s an ankle injury for Taylor Goad.
He had scans earlier this afternoon, with results to be confirmed tomorrow at the earliest.@zerohanger https://t.co/UPcqnV1ZeY
— Jonty Ralphsmith (@JontyRalphsmith) February 18, 2026
The Arden Street club says that Goad has suffered an ankle injury, and was sent for scans on Wednesday afternoon.
It comes as fellow youngster George Wardlaw is also working his way back from a recent hamstring injury.
Veterans Aidan Corr and Luke McDonald have also battled their own injury problems, as has recruit Charlie Spargo.
North Melbourne will miss father-son defender Jackson Archer, who has been ruled out with an ACL injury, while draftee Blake Thredgold was sent in for surgery to repair a Lisfranc injury.
Thredgold is looking at a six-month layoff.
The Kangaroos will have their first hitout against opposition on Friday at Casey Fields, taking on Melbourne.
Their official pre-season clash will be against Collingwood at Mars Stadium on March 1.
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