Colby McKercher is in the frame to feature in North Melbourne’s season opener against Port Adelaide on Sunday, while Riley Hardeman will face a fitness test to determine his availability.
McKercher has recovered well following minor surgery on his finger last month, and is in the mix for Sunday’s game.
"Colby was at the end stage of his recovery last week. He was building back in with main group training and letting that finger regain full function,” North Melbourne head of performance Kevin White said.
"He’s also had some really good conditioning over the past three weeks and is in contention to play this week providing he gets through training well."
Dashing defender Hardeman is also in contention to face the Power as he nears a return from a sprained ankle suffered in last month's practice match against Melbourne.
"Riley took a big step at the end of last week with his level of agility and football function," White said.
"He will fully train with the main group this week and look to put his name up for selection.
"Two things we will assess will be his levels of training performance and then the subsequent recovery of his ankle."
Veteran defenders Luke McDonald (wrist) and Aidan Corr (calf) made successful returns via Saturday's VFL practice match against Geelong at Arden Street Oval.
Corr is expected to build on his game time in the reserves again this weekend, while McDonald will put his hand up for senior selection following a strong month of running and football conditioning.
Hardened onballer George Wardlaw is one week away from a potential playing return from a hamstring injury, having reintegrated into main training last week.
"George is making great strides with his rehab," White said.
"He has some strength markers to tick off this week and will be put through a high-loading session end of the week to assess his on-field ability at high-end function."
Trade recruit Charlie Spargo, who suffered concussion symptoms in the VFL practice match, will miss at least one week of action.
"Charlie suffered a whiplash incident to his neck during the first quarter of Saturday’s VFL game which resulted in him coming off the field and reporting symptoms of concussion," White said.
"He’s in good spirits and had his initial light bike session today as he works his way through the AFL protocols."
Emerging ruck Taylor Goad, who has been dealing with an ankle complaint, remains 3-4 weeks away from a return.
"Having initially cleared swelling and gotten moving once again, Taylor has stalled at the running reload phase of his program,” White said.
"This week we’ll look to bridge with the AlterG treadmill as an initial reload run and then progress on-field from there."
Blake Thredgold (foot) and Jackson Archer (knee) are both in the strength and off-legs conditioning phases of their respective long-term rehab programs.
Injury List
Last Updated:
HELP US MAKE IT HAPPEN
We're ready. Bound with us in 2026 and become a North Melbourne member!
JOIN US TODAY
