North Melbourne hopes a final procedure on Kieran Harper's ankle will set the promising small forward up for an exciting season ahead.

The 21-year-old struggled throughout the latter parts of last year with the injury and had surgery to de-bride scar tissue following a high grade traumatic ankle injury.

On Wednesday, he had an additional tidy up and wash-out according to Director of Football Geoff Walsh.

"We always knew there'd be a chance of a follow-up procedure with Kieran before the start of the season,' Walsh told NMFC.com.au.

"We managed to get some significant work into him following the Christmas break, but in order to allow him to reach his full potential this season and beyond, the time was right for Kieran to undergo this additional procedure."

Harper played just three games for North in 2013 before heading back to the VFL with Werribee and injuring his ankle.

While it's a delayed start to the season, the Roos' medical staff want to ensure he has full function upon his return.

"We expect Kieran to be back into full training in about six weeks or so," Walsh added.

Harper won't take any part in the NAB Challenge series but is expected to be available in the early rounds of the Home and Away season.