North Melbourne is hoping to welcome back important forward Ben Brown for its final JLT Community Series game next month.
The 200cm-Brown will miss Sunday's clash against Hawthorn as he recovers from knee surgery but could be named to face Greater Western Sydney on March 10.
Brown booted a career-best 41 goals last season and looks set to assume the mantle as the leader of the Kangaroos' forward line following the departure of veteran Drew Petrie.
The 24-year-old has had a history of knee complaints but assistant coach Josh Drummond, who will coach the Kangaroos against Hawthorn, is confident Brown is on track for round one.
"All these guys have had little niggles here and there," Drummond said on Wednesday.
"I think he went for a little cleanout a few weeks ago and he's tracking really well, similar to 'Maj'.
"He's ramped up his training load the last week or two. He's a chance to play probably that last (pre-season) game – all things being well, he's on target for that."
Drummond also shrugged off concerns about exciting big man Mason Wood, who pulled up sore after the Kangaroos' win over Sydney on Sunday.
"I don't think there was anything there," he said.
"It was a couple of guys' first game. The intensity goes through the roof compared to the intraclub so there's a few guys there that would be a little bit sore after their first hit-out.
"Mason is no different so I don't think it's anything serious."
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