North Melbourne’s medical team is set for a busy week with several key players nearing possible returns to action after significant layoffs through injury. Nathan Grima, Daniel Wells, Jamie Macmillan and Joel Tippett could all play in the VFL if they get through training this week.

While none are on track to play against Geelong on Saturday, matches against the Giants and Bulldogs in the following rounds are the more likely AFL return games.

Finally with ‘test’ against their names on the injury list, the four will be vital to the Kangaroos’ push for September action.

In stark contrast, Geelong will head into Saturday night’s encounter with close to a full list to choose from. The Cats’ say they have a ‘shrinking’ injury list and have a raft of players available to return against the Roos at Etihad.

Among them is young midfielder Allen Christensen, who missed their last match against the Giants with a cold, and the athletic Mark Blicavs who was also withdrawn ‘due to being managed’. The powerful runner was the substitute when the sides last played in Round 10 and aptly replaced an injured Tom Lonergan in defence. He also crept forward late in the game and kicked the sealing goal.

The man who spent time on Lindsay Thomas in that game may also be back in the Geelong side. Jed Bews has played at VFL level in recent weeks, with his last outing resulting in a best on ground performance after 28 disposals and 8 marks.

After playing the first two games of the year, Lincoln McCarthy is on the road back from a ‘litany of injuries’. The small crumbing forward just had a 4 goal, 23 disposal and 10 mark effort against Sandringham in the VFL showing he’s more than ready for an AFL recall.