If North Melbourne's key defensive stocks weren't already at paper-thin levels, an unfortunate injury to Sam Durdin surely has them there now.
Durdin suffered a serious cut to his little finger when attempting to cut open a food packet with a knife while at home.
The Roos say the 22-year-old will be out of action for 8-10 weeks, ruling him out for the first month of the season at least.
MORE: Everything you need to know about AFLX
Durdin joins Scott Thompson, Majak Daw, and possibly Robbie Tarrant, who won't be available for the club's round one clash with Fremantle.
Veteran fullback Thompson is unavailable through suspension, Daw is still recovering from hip and pelvis injuries and Tarrant is facing an uphill battle following surgery on his AC joint.
The Dockers now boast some formidable key forward options, with Jesse Hogan and Rory Lobb heading west over the off-season.
North Melbourne may be left with no choice but to play some inexperienced talls down back, with Ben McKay (one game), Declan Watson (zero games) and Ed Vickers-Willis (seven games) all in line to play.
MORE: North Melbourne 2019 preview
Small defenders like Jamie Macmillan, Luke McDonald and Marley Williams could also be forced to play above their weight come Optus Stadium on March 24.
North are also reportedly looking at state league options to bring in under the new pre-season supplemental selection period which ends on March 15
The unfortunate mishap also threatens Durdin's future at the Roos, with the former number 16 pick stranded on four senior games in his career, having battled a broken leg last season.
Durdin comes out of contract at the end of 2019.
