Andrew Swallow is confident his midfield counterpart Daniel Wells can have an impact at AFL level before the end of the 2015 season.
Wells has spent the past two weeks in the VFL after a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to an Achilles injury, but is getting back at just the right time according to the North skipper.
“The reason why he’s come back when he has is because it’s probably his last chance to give himself the best opportunity to get set-up for finals,” Swallow said on 3AW.
“We’re still a couple of weeks away so he’s going to have at least a couple more games … he might be able to sneak back into the seniors before then, but if not he’s got a couple of games at VFL level where he can really push his case.”
Wells lined up in the VFL Development League for Werribee on Saturday due to North Ballarat’s bye, amassing 14 disposals and two goals.
Senior development coach Gavin Brown highlighted his impact with the ball in hand, but admitted he still has “a little way to go”.
But for Swallow, Wells’ 2014 performance is proof he doesn’t need a huge amount of games under his belt to get back to his best.
“I remember last year he missed the majority of the year (due to a foot injury), then came back in and was one of our best players against Essendon in the (elimination) final, so if he can do some sort of role like that again it’d be great for us,” he said.
“He’s been working really hard and the boys have been really impressed with him.
“Now he’s back playing that’s a positive and he should be able to get back to where he needs to be.”
Swallow said North’s final two home and away games will be vital, with the Western Bulldogs and Richmond among the form sides of the competition.
“I watched a bit of the game between the Doggies and West Coast and probably for three quarters they really took it up to them. They’re really exciting; they’ve been a surprise packet,” he added.
“We’ve all seen how Richmond has continued their rise, so we are looking to hopefully continue on and win a couple more games going into the finals.
“The boys are riding high with a bit of confidence at the moment, which is great.”
Swallow backs Wells
Andrew Swallow is confident Daniel Wells can have an impact at AFL level before the end of 2015.