Marley Williams won’t return in season 2017 after being ruled out with a back injury.

The small defender is likely to require surgery on his back with the club’s medical staff also set to address a shoulder issue according to GM football, Cameron Joyce.

“Over the past six weeks, we’ve tried numerous non-surgical treatments for Marley but without the desired results,” Joyce told NMFC.com.au.

“The last resort was and always has been surgery, but unfortunately we’ve run out of time to get Marley back before the end of the year and will now focus on getting him right for the 2018 pre-season.

“This will mean a likely procedure on his back, but first we’ve opted to get his shoulder repaired which he’s been carrying since Round 7. On medical advice, these operations can’t be conducted simultaneously.”

Williams has undergone an arthroscopic labral repair on his left shoulder.

Sam Wright’s year is also over with the defender likely to have ankle surgery in the coming weeks.

Wright has only managed a handful of VFL games so far this season and has been hampered by foot and ankle trouble.

Jarrad Waite will miss the next fortnight with a calf injury.

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