North Melbourne has been dealt a devastating blow with young defender Jackson Archer ruled out for the entire 2026 AFL season after suffering a serious knee injury.
Pre-Season Session Ends in Disaster
The 23-year-old father-son product sustained a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during a training session at the club's Arden Street headquarters on Saturday. Scans conducted after the incident confirmed the worst possible news for the emerging player.
The club confirmed the season-ending diagnosis in an official statement, revealing Archer will now begin a lengthy rehabilitation process. "The club will continue to support Archer as he meets with the medical team this week to work through his rehab program," the Kangaroos said.
A Cruel Run of Injuries Continues
This latest setback continues a brutal run of misfortune for Archer, who had shown promising signs during the 2024 season. He managed a career-best 15 senior appearances that year before his progress was derailed.
The 2025 campaign proved particularly cruel for the defender. After receiving a contentious three-match suspension early in the season, he tore his hamstring in just his second game back in the senior side. A return through the VFL was then cut short in July by a season-ending ankle injury.
This new ACL rupture means Archer will now miss a second consecutive full season, with his sights set on a return for the 2027 pre-season at the earliest.
Road to Recovery Begins
The focus for Archer and the North Melbourne medical staff now shifts entirely to his rehabilitation program. ACL recoveries typically require 9-12 months of intensive work, putting the entire 2026 AFL fixture out of reach.
This injury is a significant loss for the Kangaroos' defensive depth and plans for the coming year. Archer, the son of club great Glenn Archer, had been viewed as a key part of the team's long-term rebuilding strategy under coach Alastair Clarkson.
The club and its supporters will now rally behind the young defender as he embarks on the challenging journey back to full fitness, hoping he can finally put his injury woes behind him.
