First-round draftee Sam Durdin is remaining positive despite being on the comeback trail from both shoulder and foot surgery, and says he will take another step in his recovery this week.

The 19-year-old, who was selected by North with pick No.16 in last year's national draft, sustained a season-ending left shoulder contact injury playing for VFL affiliate North Ballarat and had surgery in late June to repair the torn cartilage.

Durdin returned to Arden Street a couple of weeks later and the club's medical staff decided to investigate a foot complaint that had troubled the youngster during pre-season at a low level.

The concern was that this was likely to cause greater issues under increased training loads in the future. Scans revealed a large neuroma, or pinched nerve, in his left foot and he had surgery three weeks ago to have it removed.

Durdin said it was an opportune time to have foot surgery while also in the early stages of his shoulder rehabilitation program.

"The idea of having surgery on the shoulder and the foot was to get them out the way and get my body right for day one of pre-season," Durdin told NMFC.com.au.

"While I was recovering from shoulder surgery, they [the medical staff] said the best thing was to have foot surgery now.

"The idea is to be ready by NAB Challenge round one next year and try and push my case for selection in 2016."

Durdin will enter a new phase in his recovery from foot surgery this week, when he removes the moon boot and begins walking freely again.

"I'll take it off, wear my joggers and just walk around the oval, and after three to four weeks (after surgery), I can start some light jogging and gradually move into running," he said.

Although Durdin acknowledged the frustration of having to complete two sets of rehab programs, he said he required foot surgery to relieve the pain and discomfort, describing it as "an annoying little niggle".

The 198cm key position player, who can perform roles at both ends of the ground, has also taken small but significant steps in his recovery from shoulder surgery.

"After about three weeks after surgery, I started some stability and range of motion exercises because I couldn't move my shoulder much," Durdin said.

"I was given some light exercises to do and I've tried to build a little bit of strength there as well.

"Now I'm lifting some small dumbbell weights, and I'll gradually build it up over time and get back into full weights."

The South Australian said the success rate of his recent shoulder procedure was "pretty much 100 per cent, which means it's not likely to be a recurring injury".

"That's good for me growing up and not having to deal with any more shoulder injuries, on my left side anyway," Durdin explained.

"I'm hoping that luck turns around a little bit more, I can get these injuries out of the way early and build up my body over the next few years."

Durdin said he was committed to taking on additional off-season training to ensure he would be fully prepared come the start of 2016.

"Once I can get back into running, get full fitness back, my shoulder is cherry ripe and my foot's all good, I'll be working pretty hard and trying to get my fitness right up," he said.

"I'll work hard to get myself right and then by day one of pre-season, I'll be 100 per cent ready to go."