The young forward looked noticeably sore after laying a huge bump midway through the opening quarter but played out the game.

North Ballarat coach Brendan McCartney said there was no timeframe on Chatfield's recovery but expected his star to be out for the long-term.

"He'll miss a good chunk of games," McCartney told The Courier.

IN OTHER NEWS:

"(That) he stayed on was incredible, really. He is just so determined. I knew he was sore, but he refused to buckle and walk off.

"He played out the whole game and did a great job for us. He's not only talented, he's tough."

Chatfield had a superb first half of the season, kicking 21 goals in eight games, and once led the Tony Lockett Medal race.

The 20-year-old's injury could leave a big hole in the Roosters' forward line, with Sam Glover touch-and-go after a hamstring complaint and Jye Lockett expected to return to the GWV Rebels.

McCartney said the loss of Chatfield presented a chance for some of the club's developing players to step up.

"In my opinion, I haven't seen anyone better (than Chatfield) in the competition this year," he said.

"I've always believed that you don't panic if you lose a player, no matter who they are. You just bring someone else in and give them an opportunity.

"We'll just bring blokes in from the reserves. They're in good form.

"We've got some seniors players playing well back there. (Matthew) Wilson and (Samuel) Scally are playing good footy and we've got some young backs who are really starting to emerge and develop."

North Ballarat starts a three-game away run with a trip to Melton South this weekend. The match against the misfiring Panthers shapes as a crucial chance to grab points before the bye.

If you are seeing this message you are a loyal digital subscriber to The Courier, as we made this story available only to subscribers. Thank you very much for your support and allowing us to continue telling Ballarat's story. We appreciate your support of journalism in our great city.