North Melbourne will be forced to face the start of their 2025 campaign without young star George Wardlaw, with scans revealing he has suffered a severe hamstring injury.
Wardlaw will be sidelined for between 10-12 weeks, with the heartbreaking news confirmed on Thursday.
The 20-year-old clutched at a hamstring and limped off the paddock during a Kangaroos match simulation on Wednesday.
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The talented inside midfielder has battled hamstring issues constantly throughout the early stage of his career, and has played just 26 games across two seasons since being drafted with pick No.4.
He now heads into rehabilitation again.
George Wardlaw. Getty
Roos football general manager Todd Viney confirmed the devastating update on Thursday.
"This is obviously disappointing for George as he has been very diligent with his physical conditioning since he's been at the club," Viney said via a club statement.
"While there are a lot of variables at play with his recovery, George is an extremely diligent and professional athlete and we know he will be ticking every box in his rehabilitation to be back as soon as possible."
The Kangaroos open their campaign on March 15 against the Bulldogs.
The Kangaroos have finished inside the bottom two spots on the AFL ladder for five consecutive seasons.
North Melbourne legend David King tweeted, "Why is it always George … bloody hell".
