After a three-week stint on the sidelines, Nash Holmes is primed for his return.

The hard-working midfielder, who has been a contested bull for North Melbourne, has successfully rehabbed his adductor injury.

“It was just a light strain, but it’s about a two or three-week injury,” Holmes told North Media.

“I pulled up a bit sore just before the Sandringham game on the captain’s run.

“The last few weeks, I’ve just had to monitor my running and continue doing volume work, but not with much intensity. I’ve been looking after myself and now I’m ready to go.

“I’ve done everything I can to get my better right, the rehab team have been great and we’ve done everything we can to make sure my groin is good and we don’t injure it again."

Holmes admits it’s been a frustrating experience watching his teammates from a distance.

“Against Sandringham, it was good to watch the boys get a good win. It was hard being on the sidelines against Geelong, but it’s good to be back,” he said.

Holmes was quick to praise the efforts of North’s other ball winners, who have worked tirelessly in his absence.

“Nick Rippon was playing in the backline, but he came into midfield and did a great job,” he continued.

“Young Nick Hogan also played a great role. He’s hard and tough, I think the boys have done really well.”

Saturday’s curtain-raiser against Footscray will be vital for North’s finals hopes, with only a win and percentage separating the two sides from fourth-placed Essendon.

“It’s a massive game for us,” he said.

“The VFL is a tight competition at the moment. If anyone comes and plays well on the day, they can win. It’s really important that we come and play to our method and we play our individual roles.”

“It’s really good for the boys, it’s always exciting. They’re great decks to play on and you can get some good crowds towards the end.”

Fans are invited to attend Saturday’s VFL match against Footscray at Etihad Stadium, with the first bounce at 3.20pm.