NORTH Melbourne forward Aaron Edwards could be out for the remainder of the season after his ankle injury was reassessed by club medicos this week.

The spring-heeled forward was carried straight from the ground after landing awkwardly in a marking contest just before half-time of the Roos' clash withSydney on Sunday.

Initial estimates suggested Edwards would miss between six and eight weeks however it is now thought that an eight-week layoff is a best-case scenario.

The full extent of the injury won't be known until he has surgery on Wednesday, when a plate will be inserted to help repair the break.

If the injury is a clean break, Edwards may return after eight weeks however any ligament damage would complicate the healing process, and could leave Edwards sidelined for the rest of 2008.

Coach Dean Laidley said the prognosis didn’t look good for Edwards.

“He’s probably going to get operated on tomorrow and he’ll have a plate and some screws put into his leg and he’s also done some ligament damage,” Laidley said.

“So he’ll also have that repaired, so we’re probably thinking anywhere between eight weeks and the season.”

Laidley admitted Edwards’ loss would be a huge blow for his side.

The 24-year-old has not only been a handy goalkicker in his 24 games for the Kangaroos since crossing from West Coast, but this year promised to provide the Roos with two potent tall marking options in attack, alongside Nathan Thompson.

However Laidley was opting to see a silver cloud when asked about Edwards’ injury. 

“Thommo was out last year and you know we’ll probably get an opportunity to play perhaps a first-gamer this week and that’s a real positive for the footy club.”