North Melbourne defender Ben McKay will miss the start of the 2023 AFL season.
After a faultless pre-season, scans have unfortunately confirmed bone stress in McKay’s right foot.
The Kangaroos say McKay will now offload his foot in the coming weeks as he begins his rehabilitation program.
AFL Media’s Riley Beveridge is reporting that the injury was picked up after McKay reported soreness to the club on Sunday following North Melbourne’s practice match defeat to the Western Bulldogs on Saturday.
North Melbourne GM of football Todd Viney says the club’s focus is on ensuring McKay’s symptoms settle.
“Ben's pre-season preparation has been seamless, so this is unfortunate news on the eve of Round 1,” Viney said via a statement.
“Our immediate focus is to ensure Ben's symptoms settle. His rehab program will continue to evolve with the aim to integrate him back into the training program in due course.”
McKay now appears likely to miss out again on playing his twin brother Harry in Round 4 when the Kangaroos face the Blues.
While the pair have been in the AFL system for eight years, they’re yet to play against each other.
North Melbourne host West Coast in a Round 1 clash at Marvel Stadium on March 18.