All eyes will be on Andrew Swallow at training this week as he edges closer to a return after fracturing his thumb.

The North skipper damaged his hand in the club’s win over Essendon in Round 7 and required a small operation and plaster cast.

The club’s medical team initially listed the 27-year-old as a one to three week injury, meaning he could be back in time to play against Collingwood on Sunday at the MCG.

RELATED: Adams right to go

Ben Brown could make his return after suffering an injury, also against the Bombers.

The key-forward looked to have issues with the knee he’d previously had a reconstruction on after falling on it awkwardly, but luckily managed to avoid any structural damage.

"Andrew and Ben have been recovering well and we’re hopeful of seeing them back shortly, but we’ll have to see how they go in our remaining sessions throughout the week," Director of Football Geoff Walsh said.

RELATED: Garner to return

View full injury list