FORMER South Mildura footballer Robbie Tarrant has reportedly suffered an injury setback on the eve of the 2020 AFL season.

AFL.com.au is reporting Tarrant is battling Morton’s neuroma, a condition that causes pain to the ball of your foot, and underwent a procedure last week that involved a guided needle being injected into the sore area.

He is expected to resume running next week, though the surgery is likely to rule him out of the club’s opening Marsh Community Series clash against the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium in 10 days’ time.

Tarrant, who finished second in the club’s best and fairest last season, had been tipped to lead an inexperienced North Melbourne backline this season following the retirement of highly respected defender Scott Thompson at the end of last year.

However, his disrupted pre-season could open the door for young duo Sam Durdin and Ben McKay to stake their claim ahead of round 1.