Jenna Bruton won't participate in the North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos' practice matches but will push to be available for the early stages of the home and away season.
The tough onballer partially ruptured her Achilles in the opening minutes of the 2023 Grand Final, but has since made a comeback to full training.
"Jenna continues to make strides in her training following an Achilles repair surgery in December," North Melbourne senior AFLW physiotherapist Billy Williams said.
"She will continue to build out her loads over the coming weeks … we are looking for her to be available for selection in the early stages of the season."
Defender Libby Birch is on the mend after damaging her knee during a training session last month, incurring a high-grade MCL injury.
"Libby has been in a brace which we will look to wean her out of over the next week before progressing her rehab," Williams said.
"As expected, she has been the ultimate professional with her rehab, and we are aiming at a return to football early in the season."
Fellow back Nicole Bresnehan has hit a small speed bump on the route to Round 1 but should be available to line up against Brisbane at Brighton Homes Arena early next month.
"'Flash' (Bresnehan) has had an excellent preseason. However she had a minor hamstring concern recently which we have taken a conservative approach with," Williams said.
"She will look to train fully over the next two weeks and will be managed for our practice game against St Kilda as we prioritise her return for the Greater Western Sydney match."
Eliza Shannon and Lulu Pullar are both working through an ankle and calf issue respectively.
Shannon suffered a high left ankle injury after an awkward twist during training last week. A clearer return date will be confirmed for the defender after she sees a surgeon on Tuesday.
Pullar's return date is also yet to be confirmed but she will undertaking a conditioning program over the next few weeks before rejoining the main training group following an interrupted pre-season.
"Lulu continues to apply herself diligently to her rehab and we will look to update her return-to-play times as the season approaches," Williams said.
