North Melbourne defender Riley Hardeman remains a chance to be fit for the Kangaroos' season opener after injuring his ankle in Friday's practice match against Melbourne.

Tests revealed a medium-grade left ankle sprain for Hardeman, who was helped from the ground during the second quarter at Casey Fields. 

Hardeman is expected to be sidelined for 2-3 weeks, North Melbourne head of performance Kevin White said. 

"He will be looking to clear swelling and inflammation across this week before reloading once again and pressing his case for Round 1," White said.

Meanwhile, midfielder George Wardlaw faces a 3-4 week recovery after straining his hamstring on his return in Friday's VFL practice match against the Casey Demons. 

"Scans confirmed a low-grade strain similar to the previous injury in the same area," White said.

"He has presented really well today and will look to return to play in the next 3-4 weeks."

Young ruck Taylor Goad, who suffered a lateral ankle sprain at training on Wednesday, faces a 3-5 week recovery period, White said.

"The initial phase is reducing swelling and soreness around the ankle before progressing with leg loading, which can take time.  

"Once functional and pain-free he will reload and build from there."

Veteran defenders Aidan Corr (calf) and Luke McDonald (wrist) are one week away from an expected return, while star Colby McKercher is recovering well from a finger injury and is on track for a return to play in two weeks. 

Injury List

Player	Injury	Estimated Return
4. Aidan Corr	Calf	1 week
11. Luke McDonald	Wrist	1 week
10. Colby McKercher	Finger	2 weeks
17. Riley Hardeman	Ankle	2-3 weeks
6. George Wardlaw	Hamstring	3-4 weeks
22. Taylor Goad	Ankle	3-5 weeks
23. Blake Thredgold	Foot	TBC
34. Jackson Archer	Knee	Season

4. Aidan Corr

Injury: Calf

Est. Return: 1 week

11. Luke McDonald

Injury: Wrist

Est. Return: 1 week

10. Colby McKercher

Injury: Finger

Est. Return: 2 weeks

17. Riley Hardeman

Injury: Ankle

Est. Return: 2-3 weeks

6. George Wardlaw

Injury: Hamstring

Est. Return: 3-4 weeks

22. Taylor Goad

Injury: Ankle

Est. Return: 3-5 weeks

23. Blake Thredgold

Injury: Foot

Est. Return: TBC

34. Jackson Archer

Injury: Knee

Est. Return: Season

Last Updated:

The Kangaroos continue their pre-season on Sunday in a sold-out AAMI Community Series match against Collingwood at Ballarat's Mars Stadium.

They face Port Adelaide in their season opener at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, March 15.