Taylor Garner may get his first taste of football this weekend after being listed as “test” on North’s official injury update.

The 24-year-old has battled groin and hip soreness throughout the pre-season and early rounds, but will be declared fit should he get through training on Thursday.

Should he get through the final fitness tests, it’s expected he will be selected to play in the VFL on Saturday.

“All things going well, we expect Taylor to play limited game-time against Frankston,” North GM football Cameron Joyce told North Media.

“We’ve been very cautious with him as previously stated, but he’s really turned the corner in recent weeks.”

Also anticipating medical clearance is youngster Kyron Hayden who has fully recovered from a shoulder injury.

“We weren’t prepared to risk Kyron until he had adequate strength and full range of motion in his shoulder,” Joyce said.

“He’s worked really hard to get himself into a position to play and it will be exciting to see him out there on Saturday.”

Joyce said North was confident Luke McDonald would play despite hamstring soreness.

“Luke came off late in the game last weekend against Carlton a bit tight, but there’s nothing too serious with that one.

“He trained today and should be cleared to play.”

Mason Wood had scans on his wrist on Tuesday after an incident in the VFL, but no serious damage was detected.

Injury list

Taylor Garner (groin) – test
Kyron Hayden (shoulder) – test
Luke McDonald (hamstring soreness) – test
Oscar Junker (hip) - test
Mason Wood (wrist) – test
Nathan Hrovat (thumb) – test
Declan Mountford (ankle) - test
Declan Watson (knee) - indefinite

List updated April 17, 2018