Emerging defender Ed Vickers-Willis is targeting a JLT Series return after suffering a season-ending PCL injury in Round 7 of this year.

“I’m definitely aiming to be back for the practice matches and the JLT Series, which will give me a good run-up into the year,” Vickers-Willis told North Media.

The 14-game defender was impressive early for North Melbourne in 2018, but an unfortunate collision with a goal post in Sydney left him needing a PCL reconstruction.

“This time I had a full reconstruction which was a lot different,” he said.

“Everything went well with surgery, and I haven’t had any setbacks.”

With surgery a success, North’s number 33 has promisingly returned to training before the Christmas break.

“I worked pretty hard over the off-season to get ready for the pre-season, and I’m just starting to join in with the main group again now.

“I’m coming in and out drills at the moment so I’m getting some good exposure to game-sense. After Christmas, I’ll look to really ramp it up and get some k’s into the legs.”

Vickers-Willis’ injury was his second PCL in as many years, which enabled him to help young forward Will Walker in his rehab after he suffered a similar injury against Adelaide.

“I’ve had a couple of PCL’s so I bounced off Will a bit and told him what I could.

“They are complex injuries, and Will had a bit of bruising which was more the issue for him, but I tried to help where I could and reassured him that you can come back from it. “

After a strong recruiting period at Arden St, Vickers-Willis knows regaining his position wont be easy.

“There’s lots of competition for spots, and Jasper (Pittard), Hally (Aaron Hall), Dom Tyson and Polec add another dimension to the team,” he added.

“They are all dynamic players and you need that competition in any good side.

“It’s only going to be good for the VFL as well, with that pressure coming up.”