Daniel Wells got through another vital game at VFL level on Saturday but has a “little way to go” before North can contemplate recalling him into the senior side, according to development coach Gavin Brown.

Playing for the Werribee development side in Williamstown, Wells collected 14 possessions, three clearances and kicked two goals but needs more time to develop match-fitness.

“When he had the ball he was fantastic,” Brown told NMFC.com.au.

“He showed some real speed and power at times but couldn’t really get going.

“Judging on that today, he’s still got a little way to go. He’d have to play in the VFL again because I don’t think he’d be ready for (AFL) selection based on that.”

Closely checked all day by his opponents, Wells played the majority of the game alongside North rookie Eric Wallace.

With only a few AFL games remaining in the home and away season, the pressure is on the midfielder to increase his workload and gain much needed fitness following a lengthy Achilles injury.

“I thought the things he did were really good including two nice goals,” Brown said.

“It wasn’t a brilliant day but it was more about getting another game into him and some more fitness.”

In his first game back last week with North Ballarat, he played less game-time than he’d planned after jarring his knee.

“He played less than half a game last week and today it was full game time with as many rotations as he wanted,” Brown explained.

“There was probably a little bit of inactivity in between his disposals, but that probably sums up where he’s at having very little match conditioning under his belt.”

Like last week, Wells sent a scare through the North camp when he copped a knock to the head late in the third quarter. The 30-year-old clashed heads with an opponent when he landed after a marking attempt.

While he managed to bounce straight back up and kicked a goal, he jogged to the bench to speak with the Werribee doctor and was then taken into the rooms for a concussion test.

Wearing an unfamiliar number 72, he returned several minutes later after being given the ‘all clear’ and played out the rest of the game.

“He said he was a little bit sore in the knee and the Achilles after the game but I think the head is fine,” Brown reported.

“We’re just going to have to wait and see how he pulls up tomorrow and on Monday before we decide what’s next for him.”