NORTH MELBOURE key forward Ben Brown will miss two weeks of training after having a minor knee operation on Thursday.

North released a statement on Friday saying Brown suffered swelling in his knee after landing awkwardly at training last week and had undergone a "wash-out procedure".

"In terms of seriousness, specialists feel this is at the very low end of the spectrum," North senior performance consultant Steve Saunders said.

"The procedure should maximise Ben's remaining pre-season and outcomes for his knee long-term.

"We could have managed the issue as it was without surgical intervention, but given the time to round one, we felt it was best to involve a specialist and take this course of action."

Brown is the second North key forward to suffer a knee injury since Christmas, with Majak Daw tearing the meniscus in his right knee last week. Daw is expected to be sidelined for four weeks.

Brown, 24, shapes as an important player for North in 2017. Following Drew Petrie's departure to West Coast, the Tasmanian is set to be one of the Roos' primary aerial targets in attack alongside veteran Jarrad Waite.

Brown has kicked 91 goals in 55 games for the Kangaroos, including a career-best season haul of 41 last year.

He also led North in contested marks in 2016 (49), Petrie was next best with 30) and marks inside 50 (47).