NORTH Melbourne's bad run of injury has continued with first-year utility Ed Vickers-Willis ruled out for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury.

North announced on Wednesday afternoon that Vickers-Willis would have his left shoulder reconstructed this week after he dislocated it in the VFL last Saturday.

Vickers-Willis becomes the second of North's three picks from last year's national draft to suffer a season-ending injury.

Daniel Nielson, North's second pick last year at No.25 overall, ruptured his left anterior cruciate ligament in a tackling drill in March and underwent a traditional reconstruction that will sideline him until 2016.

The Roos have also been unable to call on star midfielders Nick Dal Santo (hamstring) and Daniel Wells (Achilles tendon) for most of this season, while skipper Andrew Swallow has missed the past two rounds with a broken thumb.

Vickers-Willis dislocated his shoulder as he tackled an opponent during Werribee's loss to Sandringham on Saturday. The team physio was able to relocate the shoulder within minutes, but scans earlier this week revealed surgery was necessary.

The 19-year-old told the club's website he was trying to put a positive spin on his setback.

"It gives me a chance to really be ready for the pre-season. It will be a long pre-season for me but I'll be right for next year," Vickers-Willis said.

"I'm 19 ... I've still got a lot of footy ahead of me. There's nothing I can do now, besides get in to surgery and then get straight into the rehab." 

North selected Vickers-Willis at pick No.36 in last year's draft after the 190cm utility was named in the under-18 All Australian team following an impressive national championships with Vic Metro. 

Vickers-Willis played five VFL games this year prior to his injury and was named in Werribee's best players in two of them. 

"It was really pleasing to find I belong at senior level in the VFL and know I can play at that level," he said.

"Obviously it's disappointing I won't get the opportunity (to compete at AFL level) this year but I've got a long career ahead of me.

"I've just got to get everything right and hopefully I'll get that opportunity early next year."

Vickers-Willis averaged 16 touches at 81 per cent efficiency in five matches for Vic Metro last year and was one of the leading scorers (26/30) in the kicking test at the draft combine.