North Melbourne could regain a raft of key players shortly after the split round with Daniel Wells (foot), Nathan Grima (foot), Joel Tippett (pectoral) and Jamie Macmillan (leg) all in the final stages of their respective recovery programs.

There has been much discussion about Wells’ foot injury but the club best and fairest has stepped up his running and looks set for a return in either the VFL or AFL in Round 19 or 20.

The scenario is similar for the trio of Grima, Tippett and Macmillan – depending on how they progress in the coming weeks and pull up from initial hit-outs when given the green light to play.

Robbie Nahas is due to return just a week later, in Rounds 20 or 21, following surgery on his shoulder.

If the Kangaroos can get all five back in time for the end of the season and a potential finals campaign, competition for spots in the 22 will be tight and the dynamic of the team will dramatically change.

Wells will bring his trademark line-breaking running and elite skills while Grima and Tippett provide some much needed flexibility to the backline. Both are tall options well equipped to tackle the opposition’s big forwards. Macmillan is a reliable decision maker and steadying influence in defence while Nahas brings immense forward pressure and x-factor in front of goals.

Injury list - July 23

PlayerInjuryTime
Nathan GrimaFoot2 weeks
Daniel WellsFoot2 weeks
Joel TippettPectoral2 weeks
Jamie MacmillanBroken Fibula2 weeks
Robin NahasShoulder3 weeks
Taylor GarnerHamstringIndefinite
Tom CurranFootIndefinite
Cam DelaneyToeSeason
Robbie TarrantLegSeason
Tim McGennissShoulderTBA