North Melbourne's push to the AFL finals has suffered a setback with star midfielder Shaun Higgins undergoing knee surgery.
The 30-year-old had minor arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on Monday night after pulling up sore from his 200-game milestone against West Coast.
However, the Roos believe Higgins will only miss one game - Saturday's clash with Brisbane at the Gabba - as he recovers from the operation.
"We're very confident he will only be out for the one week and expect him to be fit to play against the Bulldogs in round 21," North football chief Cameron Joyce said.
"Getting this procedure done now will enable him to finish off the year strongly."
It's the second mishap of the season for Higgins who was heavily concussed in a much-debated bump by Hawthorn's Ryan Burton in round five.
The star veteran has been in outstanding form this season and looms as a key figure in North's bid for a surprise finals berth.
Widely dismissed as a finals contender before the season, the Roos are one game outside the eight in 10th and have a favourable draw over the remaining four rounds.
