NORTH Melbourne's new-look backline has taken a hit on the eve of the 2020 season, with veteran defender Robbie Tarrant forced to undergo a painful procedure to repair a foot injury last week.

AFL.com.au understands Tarrant is battling Morton's neuroma, a condition that causes pain to the ball of your foot, and underwent a procedure last week that involved a guided needle being injected into the sore area.

He is expected to resume running duties next week, though the surgery is likely to rule him out of the club's opening Marsh Community Series clash against the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium in 10 days' time.

North Melbourne will have two further hitouts after that clash against the Bulldogs, with the club hopeful Tarrant will be able to play some part in a scratch match against Melbourne at Arden Street on February 28.

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The Kangaroos then play their final Marsh Community Series encounter against the Swans in Hobart on March 9.

Tarrant, who finished second in the club's best and fairest last season, had been tipped to lead an inexperienced North Melbourne backline this season following the retirement of highly respected defender Scott Thompson at the end of last year.

However, his disrupted pre-season could open the door for young duo Sam Durdin and Ben McKay to stake their claim ahead of round one.

The club has been pleased with the development of the pair of first-round draft picks this summer, despite neither yet reaching 20 senior games for the club after being recruited in 2014 and 2015 respectively.

The Kangaroos bolstered their defensive stocks with the signing of Josh Walker as a delisted free agent from the Lions last year, while Majak Daw is also expected to battle for a spot in the back six.