Ankle injury to keep Whitlock out for almost a month

By Josh Huntly

Apr 16, 2025

North Melbourne draftee Matt Whitlock could miss 3-4 weeks with an ankle injury. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

Shepparton AFL export Matt Whitlock faces a brief stint on the sideline following an ankle setback during weekend match practice, but his recovery outlook is promising.

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Whitlock is poised to miss 3–4 weeks of action after rolling his ankle in the hit-out, but despite sustaining ligament damage and swelling, North Melbourne head of performance Kevin White told NMFC Media his outlook was good.

"Matt has made strong inroads in getting the swelling down and is weight-bearing well already," White said.

"We would envisage that he'll need a few weeks to ensure that he fully recovers to set him up for a strong return."

The 18-year-old key swingman debuted against Sydney in round four, but missed the Roos' clash with Gold Coast at Gather Round. With VFL action paused for an interleague match against South Australia, a practice game was arranged.

Whitlock, pick #27 in last year’s National Draft, collected 10 disposals and three marks in his maiden outing for North, his glimpses of class in a tough clash prompting star teammate Harry Sheezel to label him as an “important player for us in the future’’.

Meanwhile, Matt's brother Jack has been making his mark in Port Adelaide's SANFL side, successfully scoring goals in both opening matches of the 2025 season as he awaits his AFL opportunity.