North Melbourne forward Ben Brown will be given every opportunity to play this weekend, after being substituted out of the Roos’ win over Essendon.

Kangaroos' Director of Football Geoff Walsh told NMFC.com.au Brown had recovered well after injuring his knee on Friday night and is expected to be given every chance to prove his fitness ahead of the clash against Fremantle.

"Ben was substituted out of the game on Friday night after an awkward landing on his knee, but it was more of a precautionary sub on the night," Walsh said.

"He has pulled up well and been cleared of any structural damage, so we’ll have to wait and see how he gets through training on Wednesday and Friday before making the decision if he joins us on our flight to Perth."

Walsh also confirmed Kieran Harper would likely return to training within the next fortnight after suffering some slight knee pain recently.

Taylor Garner’s return to competitive action is also drawing closer, with the young forward likely to make a return to the VFL in the coming weeks, once he resumes full training.

Earlier on Tuesday, the club confirmed Andrew Swallow had undergone surgery to repair a fractured right thumb, suffered against the Bombers. He is set to miss the match against the Dockers. 

RELATED: Injury news hard to Swallow

Last updated May 19.

* Long-term injury list