NORTH Melbourne medicos will deliberate over the next 24 hours on a decision that could cost pressure forward Kayne Turner the entire 2020 season.
Turner pulled up sore from Friday night's Marsh Community Series loss to the Western Bulldogs, and a scan on Monday revealed a fracture in his left sesamoid bone under his big toe.
AFL.com.au understands the Roos are seeking extra medical opinions before deciding whether to proceed with surgery or see if the bone will heel with prolonged rest across the next month.
Either way, Turner, who has played 46 of the Kangaroos' past 47 games, faces an extended period out.
An operation would likely sideline him until at least after the club's round 14 bye in mid-June – and possibly for all of the season.
Rest may not fix the problem and could just delay surgery and Turner's ability to return this year, but if it does work, he might be running within about four weeks.
The good news is it is not believed to be a career-threatening injury for the 24-year-old.
Among the other AFL footballers to suffer this injury are Docker Travis Colyer (while he was still at Essendon), Saint-turned-Cat Jack Steven, and Magpie Matt Scharenberg.
Colyer and Scharenberg had operations to remove the sesamoid bone in their injured feet, while Steven avoided surgery after sustaining his injury in late February 2014 but didn't return until round four.
Turner isn't a noted goalkicker but his renowned defensive pressure has made him a senior staple the past three seasons.
He's had a good run since overcoming various injuries early in his career, including hamstring, concussion and knee setbacks.
Turner's absence would increase the importance of Cameron Zurhaar and Tarryn Thomas, while Jack Mahony and Lachie Hosie might be in a two-way race to make their AFL debut.
His is the most serious injury concern among North Melbourne's wounded crew.
The list comprises Ben Brown (calf), Robbie Tarrant (foot), captain Jack Ziebell (calf), Jared Polec (foot), Ben Cunnington (soreness),Luke Davies-Uniacke (groin) and Aaron Hall (back spasms).
That doesn't include Ben Jacobs (concussion-related symptoms), whose playing future remains in genuine doubt.
Coach Rhyce Shaw is hopeful they will all, except for Jacobs and Turner, be ready to play in round one.
