THERE are fears young North Melbourne defender Sam Durdin has suffered a serious lower leg injury after he was stretchered off during a VFL match on Saturday afternoon.

Durdin was taken off in the third term of the clash with Richmond at Holm Park Recreation Reserve in Beaconsfield.

The 22-year-old has played nine career games, including one this year.

He was drafted at No.16 in 2014.

Durdin is contracted until the end of 2019.

It was a difficult day for the Roos as they were thumped by 85 points, 19.14 (128) to 6.7 (43).