First-year player Ed Vickers-Willis will undergo surgery this week after injuring his shoulder in the VFL on Saturday.
Vickers-Willis requires a full shoulder reconstruction and is set to miss the rest of the season.
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It's a bitter blow for the 19-year-old, who had started to find his feet in the backline playing for the club's VFL affiliate, Werribee.
"On Saturday, I went for a tackle and rolled my opponent on to my shoulder and dislocated my shoulder," Vickers-Willis explained to NMFC.com.au.
"It was out for a couple of minutes and the physio got it back in, but the decision has been made to get surgery this week."
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Despite a lengthy recovery period following surgery, the youngster remains upbeat.
"I've got to try and look at it positively," he said.
"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.
"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."
Vickers-Willis he has plenty of support to call on, with several other Kangaroos having suffered shoulder injuries in recent times.
"Looking at guys like 'Patch' (Leigh) Adams and Sam Wright, they've had the same injuries, so I've spoken to them and seen how they went about.
"Aaron Mullett had the same surgery done earlier this year, so the wealth of experience around the place has got me in good stead to recover and learn more about my game going forward."
Prior to the injury, Vickers-Willis was buoyed by his performances in the state league, lining up against much more experienced opponents.
"It was really pleasing to find I belong at senior level in the VFL and know I can play at that level," he added.
The 2014 draftee said his time playing for Werribee and training alongside AFL-experienced teammates had helped his confidence.
"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."
