North Melbourne is confident Nathan Grima can play a significant role in its 2015 campaign, despite facing a long spell on the sidelines with a back injury.

The defender underwent surgery to repair a disc on Wednesday, and is expected to be out for 12-14 weeks.

“He’s devastated. He’s worked extremely hard to get himself to a point where he could have an uninterrupted year,” coach Brad Scott said from Hobart on Thursday.

PRESS PLAY above to listen to the Scott media conference

Grima played a key role in the club’s run to September last season, and Scott has backed him to return to his best. 

“While there’s no such thing as minor spinal surgery, in terms of the surgery on his back it’s as minor as it could be,” Scott said.

“We are really confident that he’ll be back better than ever and it’s remarkable really that he’s been able to compete and train as well as he has given the problems with his back.

“The surgeon said the operation was a really big success."

While injuries have been cruel to Grima over his career, he’s held in high regard at Arden Street.

“He’s a really important part of our team. Not just on-field; he’s a terrific leader, he’s really popular in the group, so he does a lot for the team other than just what he does on the field," Scott said. 

“We can’t underestimate the importance he has to our side. We’ve really missed him when he hasn’t been there.

“His ability to hold down a key post for us has been crucial, so we’re going to have to get others to step up, and we are confident we’ve got enough depth.”

Any thoughts of the injury being career-ending were quickly put to rest by Scott.

“Nathan Grima will be an important part of our team in the back two-thirds of the season.”