NORTH Melbourne small forward Kayne Turner will be sidelined for up to six weeks with a knee injury.  

Turner's injury is a blow for the Roos given the 21-year-old has been one of their most-improved players this season.  

North confirmed on Thursday afternoon Turner had suffered a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury during the round 13 loss to St Kilda and was expected to be sidelined for 3-6 weeks.  

After playing just two games in a 2016 season blotched by injury and a club-imposed four-game suspension, Turner had entrenched himself in North's forward line over the first half of the season.  

Playing the Kangaroos' first 12 games, Turner was the Roos' second-highest goalscorer with 15, behind key big man Ben Brown on 29. Turner had been held goalless in just two games, round nine against Melbourne and round 11 against Richmond.  

Turner's defensive pressure was also excellent as he averaged 4.1 tackles a game (ranked fifth at North), while he averaged 3.3 inside 50s (sixth) and was fourth at the Roos for goal assists (six) and marks inside 50 (12).