AFLRATINGS NEWS: Nth Melbourne defender Riley Hardeman remains a chance to be available for the start of the 2026 AFL H&A season.
He came from the ground in Friday’s game against Melbourne at Casey Fields with an ankle issue and did not return.
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Hardeman underwent further assessment to determine the severity of the injury,
He is expected to be sidelined for 2-3 weeks with a medium-grade left ankle sprain.
“He will be looking to clear swelling and inflammation across this week before reloading once again and pressing his case for Round 1,” North Melbourne head of performance Kevin White.
The Kangaroos play Port Adelaide in their season opener on Sunday March 15 at Marvel Stadium.
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Nth Melbourne will likely provide updates during his rehabilitation period.
Hardeman averaged 13.0 disposals, 3.3 marks and 0.9 tackles from 17 games in 2025.
AFL Fantasy: 48.1
Game Time %: 66.6
PPM: 0.72
PLAYER CARD: Riley Hardeman
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