North could welcome back a host of players this week, with a number of injured stars to face fitness tests.

Director of Football Geoff Walsh said Ben Jacobs, Luke McDonald and Sam Wright could all be in contention for selection at either VFL or AFL level, pending tests this week.

“It’s a nice prospect to see a few of these guys close to a return after some time on the sidelines,” Walsh told NMFC.com.au.

“However, we certainly won’t be rushing in anyone unless they are fully fit and ready to go. All our players listed as ‘test’ will have to be medically cleared before they are selected in the senior side or line up for Werribee.

“With our main training session taking place on Wednesday, we’ll have a clearer picture once we see how everyone pulls up on Thursday before we name our team to face Hawthorn.”

Meanwhile, Walsh said it was still a “wait and see” prospect for Ben Brown and Scott Thompson.

“We will give them both as much time as they need this week to prove they are ready to go,” Walsh added.

Brown (knee) and Thompson (adductor) were unable to play out the game on the weekend, however early scans showed no structural damage.

For more NMFC injury news and the full injury list, visit the Anytime Fitness Health Hub