A training incident that forced North Melbourne forward Paul Curtis from the field is the latest injury concern at Arden Street.
Curtis left Wednesday's match simulation during the second half of the hitout following an incident in the front half.
The young Roos livewire did not return to the field, but was spotted signing autographs at the cessation of the session.
Paul Curtis has come from the field, however any concern is not yet clear @zerohanger https://t.co/ftciGH1qhE pic.twitter.com/p9oyrHYcmX
— Mitchell Keating (@MitchKeat) January 27, 2026
Meanwhile, North Melbourne star Luke Davies-Uniacke was once again sidelined, having been among the contingent of Roos players who were absent due to illness last week, with a gastro outbreak forcing the club to delay its planned match simulation session on Friday.
His time off the track will be extended to almost a fortnight as the Roos prepare for a mini pre-season break until next week.
Davies-Uniacke was joined by Bailey Scott, River Stevens, Jacob Konstanty and Zac Banch in being on light duties due to the recent illness.
Young gun Zane Duursma, who was also sick last week, did not appear on the field, having also had his loads limited following an end to 2025 that consisted of soft-tissue concerns.
Harry Sheezel was the standout of the session, having no issue finding the footy and leaving his mark on the clash.
The reigning two-time best and fairest winner was consistently a threat going forward, and may have had a bigger outing had it not been for several missed set shot attempts.
With the Roos opting against a 'best vs rest' match sim, instead deciding on even sides, Sheezel combined with Luke Parker, Finn O'Sullivan and Taylor Goad in midfield for the Blue team, with Tristan Xerri, George Wardlaw, Jy Simpkin and Luke Urquhart their counterparts.
Wardlaw added to a strong summer to date, while Goad competed strongly as Xerri and Cooper Trembath rotated in the ruck.
With Davies-Uniacke absent, Urquhart showed his value as an inside onballer in a sign of what might be to come in 2026.
Tom Powell was mostly positioned in the front half as he looks to expand his game, while it was VFl signing Isaiah Markovsky who caught the eye early, kicking two goals in the opening term.
Colby McKercher roamed across half-back to inflict damage with his run and carry game out of defence, while fellow first-round pick Riley Hardeman also flexed his talent as a flank option for Alastair Clarkson to consider.
North Melbourne is scheduled to take on Melbourne on February 20 for a match simulation clash before their Community Series meeting with Collingwood on March 1 in Ballarat.
