North Melbourne says 2014 draftee Ed Vickers-Willis is still on track for a return early in the VFL season despite being placed on the long-term injury list.

The 19-year old had a second shoulder reconstruction in December after suffering an injury while on camp in Utah.

He was given a recovery time of four months meaning a likely comeback in April.

“He’s in the frame to return in the early rounds for Werribee and we are really pleased with how he’s been tracking,” North GM Football Operations and List Management Cameron Joyce said.

“The fact he’s still about eight weeks away enable us to put him on the long-term injury list and provides us some added flexibility to promote another rookie should we see the need in the lead-up to Round 1.”

The Roos are set to finalise forward/ruck Majak Daw’s promotion to the senior list, leaving former Saint Farren Ray, Robbie Nahas, Will Fordham and Braydon Pruess as options for an upgrade.