George Wardlaw in action during North Melbourne's clash against West Coast in round 13, 2025. Picture: AFL Photos

NORTH Melbourne star George Wardlaw has suffered a minor knee injury, while untried defender Hugo Mikunda will sit out the 2027 season after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament. 

Wardlaw sustained a low-level MCL sprain over the off-season which the club says delayed his return to team training this week.

The 22-year-old, who has had a history of soft-tissue injuries, is set to join the main group in a fortnight. 

"Pleasingly, George has put in a huge amount of work in the off-season on his running and strength base which he will use as great foundations when he integrates back in," head of performance Kevin White said on the Kangaroos' website.

33:45

GETTABLE: Dons' last No.1 interviews revealed, Tigers tight call coming, every draft whisper

Cal Twomey and Riley Beveridge bring you the latest draft news

Meanwhile, Mikunda hyperextended his knee in the club's first official pre-season training session on Monday, ruling him out for next year.

"Scans confirmed the injury which disappointingly will see Hugo miss the 2027 season with the need for surgical repair," White said of the 19-year-old.

Hugo Mikunda during the VFL Round 21 match between North Melbourne and Geelong at Arden Street Oval on August 16, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos

Key defenders Charlie Comben (groin) and Griffin Logue (shoulder) are expected to return to training in January.

Jackson Archer (knee) will return to running next week and will have a slow build across the next two months before the club provides a clearer return date.

Tom Powell (groin) and Toby Pink (shoulder) are on managed programs until Christmas.

"Tom has had a really diligent off-season with his preparation," White said.

Tom Powell during the VFL Round 21 match between North Melbourne and Geelong at Arden Street Oval on August 16, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos

"He joined some team skills training this week and we envisage he'll be on modified program across the next six weeks to ensure he is absorbing football intensities safely without symptoms.

"Toby has been at a point where he has restriction of overhead mobility post-surgery, which should resolve across the next month.

"In the meantime, he’s been in group skills training in a non-contact capacity and working hard with his running fitness and gym work."

As we improve the quality of the AFL Live App experience and tailor it to your needs, from Monday November 16, 2026, you’ll need to log into the AFL Live App with your free AFL iD to enjoy the best AFL news, video, highlights, expert opinion and more. Sign up for your free AFL iD here.