In October, McLeod underwent an innovative procedure on his troublesome knee which involved fracturing a bone in his leg.
Now the indigenous games record holder and Darwin native is ahead of schedule and rated a genuine chance to take part in the first official hit-out of the season on Saturday, February 7.
"I'm probably two or three weeks ahead of where I thought I'd be, so it's nice to be in a position where I'm able to make myself available [for the All-Stars]," McLeod said on Thursday.
"It would be nice to play. I'm not really pushing myself just to get ready for this one game because it's obviously a long season, but it would be nice to go home and play in front of my home crowd against my own team and for my people."
The operation, which left the 32-year-old in a full-leg brace for several weeks, was his eighth on the same knee.
But unlike his past visits to the surgeon, he had no idea what to expect this time around.
"This operation was probably a bit different to the other ones that I've had and it was a bit more radical," McLeod said.
"I had microfracture surgery, so they pretty much fractured my femur and tried to replicate cartilage coming out with the bone marrow and bleeding. I'd never heard of it until they threw it up last year as a possibility.
"I don't know anyone else who has had the same operation. I know it's pretty common in America, but not in Australia."
McLeod, 32, captained the Indigenous All-Stars side in the loss to Essendon in 2007.
But next weekend's battle in the top-end could be the first time he lines up against the club where he has spent his entire 304-game career.
The dual premiership player and Norm Smith Medallist said he didn't have to think too hard about which team he would play for.
"I love playing for the Crows," he said.
"But to be able to play against my team and represent my people is right up there with the highlights of my career."
Adelaide skipper Simon Goodwin said he already had a plan in place for the decorated defender.
"We'll certainly run a heavy tag with him … probably Robert Shirley," Goodwin said with a laugh.
"There's a list of people developing who want to play on Andrew."
The majority of the AFL's Indigenous contingent will meet in Darwin on Sunday for a three-day camp before the final 30-man team is chosen later in the week.
McLeod was hopeful the Crows would be well represented in the All-Stars team with Graham Johncock, Jon Griffin and Jarrhan Jacky all in line for selection.
He said the week-long trip would be a great experience for each of the players.
"There has always been a special bond between the Aboriginal players throughout the competition and to spend the week together, I think it's really important for the younger blokes to get a feel of what we call the 'brotherhood' and to carry the torch," McLeod said.
"It's going to be a great week for those blokes and a real eye-opener. And to rub shoulders with some of the best players going around like Adam Goodes and Buddy Franklin can only be a bonus."
