Key forward Charlie Comben has suffered a suspected broken ankle following a first-quarter incident in the loss to Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday night.

The 21-year-old rose for a mark midway through the opening term, but quickly signalled for medical assistance after landing on his left leg.

Play was stopped for several minutes before the young gun was taken from the field on a stretcher.

Comben was taken to hospital and general manager of football Todd Viney said he would undergo surgery.

"(It's) really bad news for Charlie in particular, his family, but the club as a whole," Viney said.

"It looks as though he's got a fractured ankle, a bit like big 'X' (Tristan Xerri) a few weeks ago, so he'll have surgery in the next short period of time.

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"Our hearts go out to him, it's a serious injury. He's had a lot of injuries over the first couple of years of his career and just when you thought he was starting to get some momentum, he's hurt himself.

"We'll try and rally around him in the next few days."

Comben worked his way into being a mainstay of North Melbourne's line-up during the pre-season, and had featured in every game to date this year.