Sam Wright’s troublesome foot and ankle issues may be behind him, with the defender on the brink of a return to football this weekend.

The 27-year-old’s last game of AFL was in Round 11, 2016 and he’s finally eyeing a comeback via the VFL on Saturday night when North takes on Collingwood.

“It’s obviously been a long time coming for Sam, but he’s done a mountain of work in rehab,” North GM Football Cameron Joyce said.

“Sam has been extremely diligent and professional in the manner in which he’s applied himself during his extensive recovery and we’re confident that all the hard work will pay off and allow him to have an uninterrupted run.

“He’s a player of the highest quality and when he does return to the AFL, he’ll be a welcome addition for us.”

Joyce said the defender will look to get a few games under his belt in the seconds, before he’s eligible for a spot in the senior side.

Injury list

Saw Wright (foot/ankle) - Test
Taylor Garner (groin) – 1 week
Cam Zurhaar (hip) – Test
Oscar Junker (concussion) – Test
Josh Williams (concussion) – Test
Braydon Preuss (knee) - Test
Kyron Hayden (shoulder) – 1-2 weeks
Declan Watson (knee) - Season