North Melbourne's Cam Zurhaar is set to miss up to 8-10 weeks with a broken ankle suffered in North's Round 16 win over the Gold Coast Suns.
THe 20-year-old will most likely not play again in the 2018 season, unless North Melbourne enjoy a good finals run.
The small forward suffered the injury during the third quarter as the Kangaroos' 37-point win over the Suns keeps them in contention to play finals.
North Melbourne's General Manager of Football Cam Joyce stated Zurhaar was unable to put any weight or pressure through his lower right leg.
"Our medical team suspected something serious on Sunday," Joyce told nmfc.com.au.
"He wasn't able to take any further part in the game and scans have revealed a small break in his ankle."
Prior to the injury, Zurhaar was making his presence felt playing in the unusual role of small forward-cum-ruck.
Joyce credited Zurhaar for doing what is required for the team and putting the team first.
"Cam had taken up the challenge to play in the ruck for us when Todd Goldstein was off the ground resting and it allowed us to keep Majak in defence and Ben Brown forward, so it's a credit to him and says a lot about his willingness to do whatever the team needs," Joyce said.
"It's unfortunate he's now out but if we play some finals, he might be a chance to return so there's still some hope.
"Cam has a very bright future and the challenge for him is to build his fitness and endurance and improve again in 2019."
After making his debut in Round 17 last year, Zurhaar has played nine games for the Kangaroos.
