DANIEL Wells is set to make a remarkable return from life-threatening blood clots after being selected in North Melbourne's squad for Sunday's NAB Cup clash against the Western Bulldogs at Ballarat's Eureka Stadium.

The joint 2011 best and fairest winner had been unable to take part in any contact training this pre-season because of the blood-thinning medication he was taking to treat his blood clots, and seemed likely to miss North's round one match against Essendon on March 31.

But Wells, 27, told kangaroos.com.au on Wednesday he'd been cleared to come off his medication and resume contact training two weeks ago.

"It's not guaranteed that I'll play (this Sunday), but there's a fair chance at this stage if all goes well this week at training," Wells said.

"I'm really keen to test the body out and see how I go."

A final decision on whether Wells plays against the Bulldogs will be made on Saturday, according to kangaroos.com.au.

But, more significantly, the website reported Wells was now "poised" to play the Bombers in three weeks' time.

Wells suffered his blood clots late in the 2011 season, but they weren't detected until he had shoulder surgery after North's round 23 loss to St Kilda.

Nick Bowen covers North Melbourne news for AFL.com.au. Follow him at Twitter @AFL_Nick.

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