Corey Wagner has suffered an unfortunate blow after a brief but encouraging return to the AFL on Saturday.

The small forward had surgery last night after sustaining a high ankle sprain during a tackle on Crow Daniel Talia in the opening minutes of North’s Round 7 win at Blundstone Arena.

“Unfortunately Corey injured the syndesmosis component of his right ankle,” North doctor Peter Bacquie told NMFC.com.au.

“At this stage, we expect him to miss the next six to eight weeks.”

It initially appeared Wagner had only suffered a knock to the jaw from an inadvertent elbow, but the incident was worse than first thought.

“He fell awkwardly after the tackle and the weight of his body came down onto his ankle resulting in a significant sprain,” Bacquie added.

The game was Wagner’s first of the year and fifth of his career so far. North hopes to have him back by Round 14 or 15.

For more NMFC injury news and the full injury list, visit the Anytime Fitness Health Hub