Forward Kieran Harper is “three or four weeks” away from resuming full training duties and is confident he can make a return to his best form.

The 22-year-old had a post-season clean out after an ankle injury in the VFL brought a premature end to his 2014 campaign.

Harper will use last year’s “frustrating” season as a springboard for his return, but won’t be rushing back.

“I’m just looking to get my agility back up and running, and get that all strengthened,” Harper told NMFC.com.au on Thursday.

“I want to get it 100 per cent right before I even push forward and try and get out with the other boys.”

The number 23 aims to fulfil a position in the forward line this year – a role he performed through much of his junior football.

While Harper is eager to don the North guernsey once again, he knows he’ll have to bide his time.

“I learnt that last year … I wasn’t (at) the full fitness come round one," he said.

“I’m not going to be stupid about this (this year), I’m going to get it right first and make sure my fitness is there and make sure that I’m ready to go rather than underdone by the time round one comes.

“I might have to wait until round four or five if it happens like that, but I’m just going to take it as it comes.”

Despite having not played at AFL level since 2013, Harper has been encouraged by the support of senior coach Brad Scott and is keen to repay the faith.

“I’ve spoken to him (Scott) a few times and he’s always said that my best footy is good enough to play in the ones,” he added.

“It’s super important to have him on my side and knowing him backing me up that I can play.”