A "SHATTERED" Robbie Tarrant's wretched run with injury has continued with the North Melbourne key forward set to undergo season-ending surgery to repair a stress fracture in his tibia.

AFL.com.au reported last week that Tarrant was unlikely to play again in 2014 after the lower-leg injury that has dogged him for the past year resurfaced following his first AFL game of the season, against Adelaide in round 13.

North announced on NMFC.com.au on Monday afternoon that Tarrant had decided to have surgery to repair his stress fracture.

"I'm shattered and frustrated to be missing the rest of the year already, but as a group we've come to the conclusion that going in for surgery now is the best option to take with regards to my long-term prospects," Tarrant said.

"I just want to get my body right and have a full tilt at a season which hasn't been the case for a few years unfortunately. 

"I haven't had a great run, but I'll remain positive and look ahead with great confidence once we get everything sorted out in the coming days.

"I think in my current situation, it's really a matter of having to absorb some short-term pain in order to achieve long-term gain. 

"If I go in now and pull the pin on this year and get everything right, then I'll be in the best position to have a good crack at next year and beyond. That's what I need to focus on."

Tarrant said he had yet to decide what type of surgery he would have, but had a number of options to choose from. 

Tarrant's injury was diagnosed as a tibial stress reaction in March, after having been previously diagnosed as a nerve-related injury in 2013, when it sidelined him for nine consecutive games.

The key forward's continuing problems are being caused by a small section of bone in his tibia that has not healed despite a conservative rehabilitation program in the 2014 pre-season and in the build-up to his playing return.

Tarrant played just one VFL game in the lead-up to his senior recall against the Crows. 

Despite a quiet game against Adelaide, he was named the following week to take on Melbourne but pulled out of North's team after experiencing soreness in his leg.

The key forward has played just 39 games in his seven seasons at Arden Street.

The No.15 pick in the 2007 national draft, Tarrant did not make his debut with the Roos until round 15, 2010, after his first two seasons were dogged by serious shoulder injuries.