Key Kangaroo out indefinitely

The 25-year-old, who has turn out to be considered one of North Melbourne’s most essential gamers, pulled up sore after the Kangaroos’ observe match loss to the Western Bulldogs at Ikon Park on Saturday.

Scans revealed a bone stress response in his proper foot, with no timeline set on his return.

It means McKay might once more miss a showdown together with his twin brother, Carlton ahead Harry, in Round 4, persevering with an extended record of missed alternatives for the pair to play on one another.

McKay has performed towards the Blues twice since his debut in 2017, and on each events his brother has been out injured.

North Melbourne soccer boss Todd Viney stated the membership’s medical staff would “offload” McKay’s foot over the subsequent few weeks.

“Ben’s pre-season preparation has been seamless, so this is unfortunate news on the eve of Round 1,” common supervisor of soccer Todd Viney stated.

“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.”

The 202cm defender, who was ranked elite for intercept marks final season, comes out of contract on the finish of the season and could be a restricted free agent if unsigned.

North Melbourne can be sweating on the provision of defender Aidan Corr, who returned by way of a VFL observe recreation from a calf harm final weekend, with aerial assist wanted for brand new recruit Griffin Logue forward of the Kangaroos’ Round 1 conflict towards West Coast at Marvel Stadium.

McKay’s harm comes as livewire forward-midfielder Cam Zurhaar faces a battle to be slot in time for the season opener after he suffered a calf pressure towards the Bulldogs.

Young ruckman Callum Coleman-Jones has been dominated out of the opening rounds after he partially tore his plantar fascia within the VFL recreation.