After two games on the sidelines, North defender Scott McMahon is physically ready to make his return against against Richmond.

Director of medical services Steve Saunders is pleased with the 27-year-old's recovery from an innocuous accident at training which resulted in a rolled ankle.  

“Scott has progressed really well and should be available to play this week,” Saunders said on Monday.

“His ankle is looking really good. He ran really nicely today and we should be able to put him through main skills this Wednesday.”

Kieran Harper’s ankle injury will continue to be monitored, but the club is confident he will be ready to get back to full training this week and push for a recall soon after.

“Kieran was close last week but we just felt he needed a little more time,” Saunders added.

“We’ve gone the conservative management approach for him and he’s now got until next Tuesday (July 9) to be right for the Foxtel Cup with Werribee so we’ll set him up for that game.

“He’s quite likely to be doing full training this week but it will just depend on how he pulls up from the work he did today and if we need to slide that back a day or so we will.”

After showing some impressive form for North Ballarat recently, Max Warren suffered a disappointing setback on Saturday and will miss the next four to six weeks.

“Unfortunately I copped a knock and landed awkwardly and broke my collarbone,” Warren told NMFC.com.au in a video interview.

“… looking at surgery tomorrow, with a plate put in. Best case is four weeks so that’s what we’re hoping for to get me back bigger and stronger to push forward for the second part of the year.”

Watch the full interview with Warren | YouTube

Despite the news, the Kangaroos’ rookie is staying positive and will look to make the most of his time on the sidelines.  

“It’s never a good time to have an injury, but these things happen. I’m just looking forward to getting back as quickly as I possibly can and looking to improve and work on things within my control.

“Anything I can do now which will improve me without straining my collarbone I’ll definitely look into that.”