North Melbourne midfielder Daniel Wells says his Achilles injury has ‘significantly improved’, opening the door for his return in the coming weeks.

“It’s hard to put an actual timeframe on a return date, but the last week has been really positive,” Wells said, speaking for the first time about his injury.

“I’ve been able to do a bit more running recently and now it’s a matter of slowly building up the amount of conditioning and training loads we’re putting through the tendon to make sure it will stand up to the rigours of footy when I eventually come back.”

In a massive blow to the Kangaroos, Wells was subbed out of the Round 2 match against Brisbane at half-time and hasn’t been seen since.

The 30-year-old was listed as ‘indefinite’ on the Roos’ official injury list last week.

“It’s been really frustrating sitting on the sidelines since the game against the Lions but unfortunately my injury is one of those ones you have to treat really cautiously.

“It’s taken a lot longer to recover from than I would have liked, but I’m really keen to make sure the Achilles is strong and allows me to return to my best in the second half of the season.”

Compounding his disappointment is the fact Wells looks set to miss out on celebrating Indigenous Round for the second consecutive year in a special jumper he helped create.

The Roos play Collingwood at the MCG on Sunday in Round 9 and will run out in the ‘Our Icon’ strip designed by artist Sarrita King with input from Wells and teammate Lindsay Thomas.

Wells was forced to sit out 14 matches last season with a foot injury.

“You don’t want to miss any footy obviously, but not being able to run out in the Indigenous jumper again will make the week bitter sweet for me. It’s always a special week celebrating our heritage but I’m obviously disappointed that I won’t be a part of it on the field again.”