Taylor Garner has been dealt a blow on the verge of the AFL season, with scans revealing a strained left hamstring involving the tendon.

The promising young forward is expected to miss six weeks after sustaining the injury in the third quarter of North’s match against Hawthorn in Launceston.

“Taylor’s injury is more to his hamstring tendon rather than the hamstring muscle,” Football Director Geoff Walsh explained to NMFC.com.au.

“That means that the treatment will be a little different, but in terms of the time away from the game, we expect that he’ll be able to resume full training within four weeks. He’ll begin a specific rehab program designed for this type of injury in gradual steps from now until then. Because the tendon is involved, it will take a little longer than normal.”

Garner made his AFL debut as the substitute in Round 20 against Adelaide last year and played his first full game against Collingwood in Round 23. The number 27 overcame an ankle injury in May and is resilient.

“There’s no doubt that when you miss this time of the year on the verge of the season starting, it’s definitely disappointing. Especially since Taylor had made his way into the AFL side for the NAB Challenge,” Walsh said.

“He’s still not walking pain-free at the moment so he will be taking it easy for the next few days, but he’s in good spirits.”

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