NORTH Melbourne has encountered its first significant speed hump after a near perfect start to 2016, with Shaun Higgins set to miss up to 12 weeks with a knee injury.

The Roos announced on Wednesday that Higgins had suffered a meniscus tear in North's win over St Kilda last Sunday and would undergo surgery later that day.

"Shaun will have a procedure today after advice from specialists earlier in the week," North football director Geoff Walsh said.

"It's extremely unfortunate, but our focus is to ensure Shaun will have a thorough rehabilitation, which will allow him to return to the side late in the season.

"He's a tremendous character and an utter professional, so we know he will bounce back strongly from this setback."

Higgins hurt his right knee when Sean Dempster fell across his leg as he snapped a goal midway through the third term in North's seven-point win.

After being assessed on the boundary line, Higgins returned to the field with his knee strapped and played out the remainder of the game.

Higgins will be a huge loss for the Roos.

The former Western Bulldog finished third in North's 2015 best and fairest award in his first season at Arden Street, averaging 19.5 possessions a game and kicking 39 goals.

Higgins' class finishing in attack and his ability to pinch hit in the midfield makes him one of North's most valuable players.

If North's 12-week estimate proves correct, Higgins will return in round 20 and have four games to prepare himself for the finals in the likely event that the 7-0 Roos qualify for September action.

Higgins' knee injury continues his poor run of injury this season, with his preparations for the home and away season disrupted by a knee injury he suffered in the Roos' round one NAB Challenge match against St Kilda.