Colby McKercher has needed surgery on a fractured finger, interrupting the North Melbourne youngster's AFL pre-season.
But the Kangaroos remain confident the 20-year-old will be ready for their round-one game on March 15 against Port Adelaide.
McKercher, seventh in last year's club best-and-fairest voting, had the operation on Tuesday to repair a fracture on his left hand.
In his second season, McKercher played every game last year and impressed when he went back into defence.
The Kangaroos are also confident midfielder George Wardlaw will be ready for round one as he recovers from a hamstring injury.
