Key North Melbourne defender Ben McKay will miss the start of the AFL season because of a foot injury.
In a major blow to the Kangaroos and their new coach Alastair Clarkson, McKay is sidelined indefinitely by what the club describe as bone stress in his right foot.
"Ben's pre-season preparation has been seamless so this is unfortunate news on the eve of round one," North's general manager of football Todd Viney said on Wednesday.