The operation means the in-form Feery will miss tomorrow's clash with Sandringham at Eureka Stadium Ballarat.

Feery broke his nose against Coburg Tigers on Sunday - a blow that kept him out of action for the second half.

Selkirk Roosters football manager Marg Richards said it was important for Feery to have surgery within 10 days of sustaining the injury.

She said any longer and the task of repairing the nose would be more complex.

Richards said the timing of the operation also ensured Feery would be fit for the finals in two weeks.

Feery's setback makes way for the return of first-year player Nick Couch, who was left out against Coburg.

North Ballarat last night confirmed six changes in the second overhaul in as many weeks.

As well as Feery, North Melbourne trio Brayden Norris (groin), Luke Delaney (groin) and Gavin Urquhart (tendinitis) are all out injured.

North Melbourne-listed Warren Benjamin has been dropped, while North Ballarat Rebels key position player Marcus Darmody has been replaced as the designated 23rd player by teammate Matthew Sully

from South Warrnambool.

This is the 17-year-old Sully's VFL senior debut.

Key forward Josh Smith is one of only three confirmed inclusions, alongside Couch and Sully.

Roosters coach Gerard FitzGerald will finalise his line-up at training tonight after North Melbourne settles on its team for Sunday's clash with St Kilda.

Smith was set to play against Coburg before being ruled out with a strained calf.

Leigh Harding, Cruize Garlett, Matthew Campbell, Oliver Tate, Zacc Struth, Jordan Dillon, Chris Lynch, Rohan McHugh and Clinton Benjamin have also been added to an extended squad.

Harding, Campbell and Garlett have been named on North Melbourne's expanded interchange along with Marcus White and David Hale, who are also included in the North Ballarat team.

GERARD FitzGerald made a presentation to the TAC Cup's Murray Bushrangers squad at Wangaratta on Wednesday as part of the Roosters' 2011 recruiting drive.

North Ballarat is one several VFL clubs hoping to lure Bushrangers who miss out on being selected in the AFL national draft.

FitzGerald was accompanied by Bushrangers premiership player Ben Birthisel, who is on the Roosters' list.