Daniel Wells could be a surprise inclusion in the North Melbourne side set to play the Bulldogs in Ballarat.
The 26-year old has been taken off blood-thinning medication much earlier than expected and could line up on Sunday in a shock move.
"I've had a pretty unique pre-season but now things are starting to get back to normal,'' Wells said.
"I got the news from the club that there might be a chance that I could come off the medication earlier than we expected. I had some blood tests and it was decided that I could stop taking the blood thinners and begin contact training which was great."
It’s been six months since large blood clots were discovered on his lungs following post-season shoulder surgery. The best and fairest winner has been restricted to non-contact training after being placed on medication.
"It's not guaranteed that I'll play but there's a fair chance at this stage if all goes well this week at training," he added.
It was initially thought the silky midfielder would miss the opening rounds of the year, but his rapid progress has changed that timeline significantly and he’s now poised to take on Essendon in round one at Etihad Stadium.
“I'm really keen to test the body out and see how I go.''
But first, he must pass a series of tests at Aegis Park this week and will need to get through the remaining NAB Cup games to prove his fitness. Ballarat locals stand to be big winners getting the first glimpse of Wells in action at Eureka Stadium.
A final decision on his availability will be made by coaching and medical staff on Saturday, but Wells is pushing hard to play.
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