A REOCCURRENCE of a right knee injury will again stall the career of promising young North Melbourne defender Ed Vickers-Willis, with his recovery period yet to be determined.

Vickers-Willis, 22, slid into a behind post in the final quarter of the Kangaroos' remarkable victory two-point victory over Sydney at the SCG on Saturday night.

He has suffered damage to his posterior cruciate ligament – the same injury that ended his 2017 season last June against Richmond.

"Ed will visit a specialist this week," Roos football manager Cameron Joyce told nmfc.com.au.

"We really feel for Ed because he was putting together a truly solid season down back, despite being only 14 games into his AFL career.

"He's a diligent worker and a genuine professional, and we have no doubt that he will bounce back from this."

Joyce expected to know more about Vickers-Willis' stint on the sidelines over the next few days.

"We won't be in a position to provide a timeframe for Ed's recovery or his expected return until we have all the information and advice later in the week," Joyce said.

Vickers-Willis has played every game this year and been an important part of the second-most frugal side in 2017, with only the Tigers having conceded fewer points.

He was drafted at No.36 in 2014 and was restricted by shoulder issues earlier in his career.