Promising North Melbourne youngster Sam Wright's AFL season is over because of a shoulder injury.

The 20-year-old had attempted to battle through the injury since round eight but the club has opted to send him in for surgery.

He played his first game in five weeks against Essendon in round 13, kicking three goals, but was unable to take his place against Port Adelaide on Sunday, prompting the Kangaroos to pull the pin.

"Sam has battled admirably to play with an injured shoulder and has been quite effective," coach Brad Scott told the club's website.

"But the club has made the decision that he is too valuable to risk and we feel that immediate surgery is in his best interest."

The 32-gamer will have torn cartilage repaired in his right shoulder and is expected to be ready for full training by the start of the 2012 pre-season.

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