Young North Melbourne prospect Jackson Archer has been ruled out for the entire 2026 season, after rupturing his ACL on Saturday.
Archer, the son of Kangaroos legend Glenn Archer, sustained the injury during the club's return to pre-season training, just a day after his 23rd birthday.
The defender had been gearing up for his fifth season at AFL level, after being taken by the Roos at pick 59 in the 2021 national draft.
"Archer injured his right knee during a session at Arden Street on Saturday, with scans confirming the extent of the injury," the club confirmed in a statement.
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"The club will continue to support Archer as he meets with the medical team this week to work through his rehab program."
After 15 games in 2024, Archer featured just three times for the Roos in 2025, controversially missing three matches due to an early-season suspension, as well as missing time with ankle and hamstring issues.
According to AFL.com.au's Cal Twomey, Archer will now be moved to the club's inactive list, enabling the club to trial players in the SSP rookie window, which will cease on February 20.
North Melbourne will be able to have players trial now in the SSP rookie window, which runs through to February 20, with Archer able to be moved to the inactive list. But it's a horror run for the young backman after ankle and hamstring injuries ruined his 2025 season. @AFLcomau https://t.co/s0Ioyt50mJ
— Callum Twomey (@CalTwomey) January 12, 2026