After an injury interrupted pre-season, North Melbourne midfielder Jed Anderson is doing all he can to be ready for round one.

Anderson, who finished third in last season’s Syd Barker Medal, missed both pre-season games against St Kilda and Hawthorn with a calf injury.

He says despite the time on the sidelines, he feels ready to put his hand up for selection in this weekend’s game against Port Adelaide.

“Recovery is going well … it started off slow but we’re building up now and the last two weeks have been really good. I’m building up for round one,” Anderson told North Media.

“I got through a good session today … I need to train again on Friday, and if I tick all the boxes, train really well and feel confident it’s up to the coaches [if I play].

“I’m taking good confidence out of this pre-season … after missing those two practice matches I’m raring to go and ready to get out there and help the midfield.”

With the addition of the likes of Will Phillips, Charlie Lazzaro, Tom Powell and Jaidyn Stephenson, Anderson is now one of the senior players in a new look North midfield.

Due to his newfound seniority in the side, he hopes to put his hand up for a leadership role over the course of the season.

“We have a good group of young guys coming through. They’re always asking questions and wanting to get better,” Anderson said.

“It’s a pretty exciting dynamic … it’s going to hold us in good stead going forward.

“I’m making sure I’m vocal and leading from the front with how I play my footy … I’ll build on that and hopefully something comes out of it.”

With North taking on Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, Anderson says the draw of playing in front of fans again has the whole playing group excited.

“We’re happy the be at Arden Street after last year,” he said.

“We’re pumped and can’t wait to get out in front of the North fans this weekend … there’s a great vibe going around the club.”