Only match committee stands in the way of Nick Dal Santo’s return on Saturday, with the onballer confirming he’s ready to take his place in the North side.
The 31-year-old completed the club’s main skills session on Wednesday, and looks in line to play his first game since injuring his hamstring in round two.
“I haven’t been told really officially (whether he’ll be playing). It’s only Wednesday and we’ve got until tomorrow when our final teams are announced, but I’ve ticked off everything I can,” Dal Santo told NMFC.com.au.
“I feel like I’ve given myself a good opportunity to get up and play and now it’s up to the coaching staff.”
PRESS PLAY above to watch Dal Santo's road to recovery
Dal Santo underwent surgery on his left hamstring in April and has undergone a long and patient recovery process.
His return would be a timely one given the importance of the clash against the Giants.
“I’ve been busting my backside rehab-wise, just to make my hammy as strong as it can be, and then it’ll put the onus back on the coaches to pick me or not."
While his hamstring is 100 per cent, Dal Santo did have a minor hiccup during Wednesday training.
“I just rolled my ankle a little bit; it was simple as that, just in a tackling drill,” he said.
“I actually wasn’t that concerned, but once the physios see that something’s happened, that’s pretty much the end of it.
“I just went off and got some extra strapping, went back out and finished off the session ... so nothing too serious.”
The 287-gamer didn’t miss a beat when he re-emerged on the track, and looks set to make the trip to Sydney with his teammates on Friday.
“I’ll been going very lightly on Friday. The work’s all done … I’ve done everything I can to this point, now it’s just about helping out. I just want to be a part of the playing group and to get a victory.
“It’s going to be a huge game this weekend, there’s no doubt about that, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
Will Dal play?
Only match committee stands in the way of Nick Dal Santo’s return to the North Melbourne team.