OFT-INJURED North Melbourne forward Taylor Garner's frustrating start to the season is set to extend for another fortnight.

The Kangaroos have elected to take an "ultra-cautious" approach to his recovery from a groin injury suffered at training on season eve.

Garner's latest injury adds to his long list of ailments, including to his hamstring, hip, knee, quad and shoulder, which have seen him play only 34 games since being drafted with the No.15 pick in 2012.

North placed the 24-year-old on a modified program throughout the pre-season in a bid to get him to the start line for round one and continue the momentum from his 18 matches last year.

Kangaroos football boss Cameron Joyce said that history was why North would be conservative with Garner's return to the field.

"It's important that Taylor is 100 per cent fit and confident in his body before he comes back," Joyce told nmfc.com.au.

"It's obviously frustrating for him and us, but we're very clear on our approach with him and need to ensure that he's given the best opportunity to have a sustained run when he does return."

Joyce was confident Garner, who re-signed in February through the 2020 season, would make a "big impact" once he was cleared to play again.

Fellow Roo Kyron Hayden, the No.62 selection in last year's draft, also faces more time on the sidelines after undergoing right shoulder surgery in December to correct an ongoing problem.

"Kyron is a contested ball player, so we want to make sure his shoulder is as strong as possible when he returns," Joyce said.

"Age, too, plays a part and, at 18, we're not going to put him out there until he's 100 per cent ready.

"For Kyron, it's about building up the strength in his shoulder and also having full range of motion. He's not quite there yet but he is tracking well."