AFL 2024: North Melbourne gun Colby McKercher awaits foot scans

The winless Kangaroos could be dealt another harsh blow as they sweat on scans for one of their only shining lights.

North Melbourne rising star nomination Colby McKercher has been sent for scans on his foot after experiencing soreness. Picture: Darrian Traynor / Getty Images

Rising Star nominee Colby McKercher faces a nervous wait for scans on his foot after the North Melbourne young gun pulled up sore following Saturday’s loss to Gold Coast.

McKercher did not join in training at Arden Street on Tuesday, as the Roos confirmed they would await the result of scans.

The 19-year-old told reporters before Tuesday’s session that he felt like he was starting to build momentum after he starred across halfback with 30 disposals against the Suns in Darwin.

“It’s good to be recognised for playing some good footy. I feel like I’m starting to build some good form, so I’m pretty happy with how I’m going at the moment,” he said.

North Melbourne rising star Colby McKercher is awaiting scans on his foot after missing training at Arden Street on Tuesday. Picture: Dylan Burns / Getty Images

While McKercher’s availability to face Essendon on Sunday is clouded, the Kangaroos expect to regain co-captain Jy Simpkin from a quad complaint that kept him out of the Suns clash.

Simpkin said he might have brushed off the issue and played if not for the oppressive conditions in the Top End.

“I just had a bit of a tight quad and obviously travelling up to Darwin, the conditions up there weren’t worth the risk of going to make it potentially worse,” he said on Monday.

“So I’ll get a good week of training this week, and fingers crossed it’ll be right to go for Sunday.”

North Melbourne co-captains Jy Simpkin (right) and Luke McDonald are searching for form, with very few senior players to support them in the winless Kangaroos side. Picture: Michael Klein

Simpkin, who missed round 1 due to a concussion he sustained against St Kilda, said he was searching for form as he averaged only 16 disposals and two tackles over his first seven games this season.

Despite his on-field struggles, he said he had no issue playing a forward or wing role as coach Alastair Clarkson pushed young on-ballers through the midfield.

“Me and Clarko talk very closely each week about the balance of finding the midfield and the half-forward sort of role, and at the moment we’re just trying to find that balance for the team,” Simpkin said.

I’m doing OK. It’s also been a frustrating year personally as well. My form hasn’t been the greatest, but as I said, we’re all working together as a team, as an individual.

“There’s not many of us that are actually in great form at the moment … but I’ve seen a lot of positives – Colby McKercher coming in, George Wardlaw again, Charlie Comben’s another great one who’s starting to show some really good signs.”