North Melbourne can today confirm Jarrad Waite will undergo shoulder surgery and is expected to be sidelined for about a month.

North GM Football Cameron Joyce told NMFC.com.au Waite injured his acromioclavicular (A/C) joint in yesterday’s loss to West Coast at Etihad Stadium.

“Unfortunately Jarrad had scans this morning and they have shown that he will require surgery on his left shoulder this week,” Joyce said.

“We anticipate that he will be out for about four to six weeks. We’re hopeful to have him available for selection sooner rather than later.”

Joyce said Waite’s absence from the Roos’ forward line provided yet another opportunity for a younger player to step up.

“While we are obviously disappointed to see Jarrad sidelined, we had a number of really strong performances from our forwards in Werribee’s VFL practice match on Saturday afternoon,” Joyce added.

“There are plenty of players ready to come in and make that position their own.”