NORTH Melbourne has confirmed promising defender Ed Vickers-Willis will not play again this season.  

After making his debut in round five against Fremantle, the 21-year-old injured his PCL against Richmond in round 11.

The club said in a statement: Vickers-Willis had a review with his orthopaedic surgeon this week and a decision was made not to rush him back this year.

"The focus for Ed will now be on building the strength back in his knee in preparation for the pre-season campaign," football manager Cameron Joyce said.  

"Ed has been tracking well in his recovery and there's been no set-back, we're simply taking a long-term approach to allow him more time to fully recover and put himself in the best position ahead of the 2018 season."  

Vickers-Willis was drafted in 2014 (a second-round selection in the NAB AFL National Draft - pick 36 overall). He's battled injury since arriving at Arden St, having surgery on both shoulders in his first season.

He was averaging 14 disposals a game in the AFL before his PCL injury.