North Melbourne AFL news: Star defender Robbie Tarrant ruled out after kidney surgery

North Melbourne backman Robbie Tarrant will be missing for a large chunk of the AFL season after undergoing a procedure on his kidney.

Kangaroos defender Robbie Tarrant will be sidelined for a large chunk of the season after undergoing kidney surgery. Picture: Matt Roberts/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

North Melbourne star defender Robbie Tarrant has undergone surgery on his kidney and faces at least three months on the sidelines.

The gun backman went under the knife on Tuesday to remove a lump which had been discovered on his kidney.

The small mass will be tested in coming days.

The Kangaroos on Wednesday confirmed Tarrant was not expected to return until the second half of the season as he recovers from the procedure.

The 31-year-old missed the club’s opening round loss to Port Adelaide with an adductor issue and will leave a huge void in defence throughout the first half of the new season.

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Tarrant is one of the league’s best defenders. Picture: Michael Klein

Tarrant, who was second in the league for rebound 50s last year with 5.7 a game, said he wanted to have the surgery this week rather than delaying it.

“This is something I’ve been aware of and had elected to address now rather than wait for the end of the season to have it removed,” Tarrant said.

“I’m truly grateful to my family and the club for their support and love they’ve shown.

“I’d also like to thank the medical staff and the specialist for the care and guidance they’ve provided me.

“I’m looking forward to getting stuck into my rehab program and can’t wait to get back out there with the boys later in the season.”

Tarrant was hospitalised in 2018 with a kidney issue after copping a knock to his back in a 70-point preseason game loss to Richmond at Ikon Park.

It was diagnosed as “low-grade bruising of his kidney”, the club said at the time.

Football manager Brady Rawlings said it was the right call for Tarrant to have the operation this week.

“We fully support Robbie and his decision to have this procedure. Our focus is solely on his health and well-being,” Rawlings said.

“Taz is one of the most professional players I’ve seen in my time and we know he will be extremely diligent with his recovery from this surgery and also his recent adductor strain.

“He is an integral part of our club and we can’t wait to get him back in the side.”

Widely considered one of the best key defenders in the league, the club was set to again lean heavily on Tarrant this year as it looks to invest in youth as part of the Roos’ ongoing rebuild.

But the 2016 best and fairest winner’s absence will mean the Kangas will turn to full-back Ben McKay, new recruit Aidan Corr and captain Jack Ziebell to help carry the load in the back half.

Tarrant finished sixth in the best and fairest from 16 games last year.