North Melbourne could be down to a bare bones defence for round one after Robbie Tarrant went down in the club's intra-club match on Wednesday morning.
After being tackled by Kayne Turner, Tarrant finished the match but was sent for scans on his shoulder, with results confirming he would undergo surgery in a cruel blow for the club's 2019 hopes.
Normal recovery time from AC joint surgery is around six weeks, putting the 29-year-old in serious doubt for the start of the season, though football Cameron Joyce is confident he will play.
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"Robbie was propelled forward in a tackle and landed awkwardly on his right shoulder,” Joyce told nmfc.com.au.
"He was immediately assessed by our medical team and sent to a specialist for a second opinion, and possible surgical intervention.
"All we can do now is ensure that he’s fit and firing in time for the start of the season.
"He’ll be operated on tomorrow and he’ll waste no time with his recovery and rehabilitation."
If the vice-captain is to be ruled out, he will join the injured Majak Daw and the suspended Scott Thompson on the sidelines for the Roos' round one clash with Fremantle at Optus Stadium.
With the Dockers' forward line now boasting the likes Jesse Hogan and Rory Lobb, North can ill afford to do without their most important key defender.
That could see the likes of the inexperienced Ben McKay or Ed Vickers-Willis brought in to add some height to the backline.
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On the positive side of things, several new recruits impressed in the intra-club match, headlined by former Port midfielder Jarrad Polec, while Dom Tyson and Aaron Hall also left an impression on their new teammates.
Tarryn Thomas, North's prized number eight pick from last year's draft, also showed glimpses of what he can do in the 'City' v 'Country' hit out.
Several big names sat out, including new recruit Jasper Pittard, as well as Mason Wood, Todd Goldstein and Shaun Higgins.
Tarrant's wasn't the only injury concern, with Sam Wright sitting out the second half after dislocating a finger but he's unlikely to miss any football.
Young tall Nick Larkey was also cleaned up in a heavy contest and took no further part.
North Melbourne will travel to Torquay for a scratch match against Geelong next Friday before kicking off their JLT Series against St Kilda on March 2.
