The dynamic midfielder’s training regime has been somewhat hampered by the achilles and calf problems which caused him to miss three games from Rounds 21 to 23 last year.
But North coach Brad Scott says there are no real concerns and explained to nmfc.com.au everything is progressing as expected.
“He was never going to join in full training until after Christmas and we’re graduating his program through and we anticipate he’ll be fine to go for the start of the year,” Scott said after the team’s first training session following the holidays on Monday.
“He’s got a really good fitness base behind him but we won’t take any risks with him.”
While he managed to play against West Coast in the elimination final in 2012, Wells was far from his best.
With an eye firmly on the start of the upcoming season, Wells’ calf and achilles issues have had to be carefully managed by North’s medical and fitness staff. The number 8 had modified training loads in Utah and upon his return home.
Struck down with groin issues in 2009 and blood clots ahead of 2012, Wells’ only unhindered run at a season was in 2011; not coincidentally, he was named in the initial All-Australian squad and won North’s Syd Barker Medal along with Andrew Swallow that same year.
Scott believes a player of Wells’ calibre and experience should be able to take these types of setbacks in their stride.
“I think that once players have a really good aerobic base behind them and they’re at a really good training age, they do come up a bit quicker.
"Wellsy, we think, has got a really good training base behind him so we know what a class act he is, we just need to get him fully fit and feeling his best because to do the things he’s capable of doing, he’s got to be fully fit without any injury worries so we’re confident he’ll be right for Round 1,” Scott added.
“It’s a little bit unlucky for him but last year even though he had the blood clots issue, he still got a lot of aerobic work in and the year before he had a terrific pre-season so we know what he’s capable of when he’s fully fit, so our focus is on just getting him fully fit and not taking any risks.”
Despite a unique pre-season last year with the blood clots which precluded him from any contact work until just days before the opening round, Wells still managed 22 disposals a game and had a stellar season.
“We know when he’s at his best and when he’s got good continuity, he’s one of the best players in the competition,” Scott said.
While he’s still listed as a member of the rehabilitation group, it won’t be too much longer until one of the club’s most lethal and skilled players gets back into the action.
