‘What a blow’: Kangaroos team left ‘devastated’ as injury-stricken young star sidelined for three months

North Melbourne will kick off their 2025 season without the services of emerging talent George Wardlaw, as scans have confirmed he has sustained a serious hamstring injury.

Wardlaw is expected to be sidelined for a period of 10 to 12 weeks, with the distressing news made public on Thursday.

During a match simulation for the Kangaroos on Wednesday, the 20-year-old appeared to grab at his hamstring and hobbled off the field.

The promising inside midfielder has faced ongoing hamstring problems early in his career, having played only 26 games over two seasons since being selected with pick No. 4 in the draft.

He is now set to enter another round of rehabilitation.

North Melbourne’s football general manager, Todd Viney, shared the disappointing news on Thursday.

“This is clearly a setback for George, who has been very committed to his fitness since joining the club,” Viney remarked in a club statement.

“While there are many factors involved in his recovery process, George is an incredibly dedicated and professional athlete, and we are confident he will focus on his rehabilitation to return as soon as he can.”

The Kangaroos are set to launch their season on March 15 against the Bulldogs.

In recent years, North Melbourne has struggled, finishing in the bottom two positions of the AFL ladder for five straight seasons.

Club legend David King expressed his frustration on Twitter, saying, “Why is it always George … bloody hell.”