EXCITING Kangaroos forward Mason Wood has declared himself ready to make his long-awaited AFL return after emerging unscathed from his VFL comeback on Sunday.

North Melbourne is suddenly flush with tall attacking options despite spearhead Jarrad Waite still being a fortnight away after shoulder surgery.

Ben Brown has assumed most of the responsibility in Waite's absence, kicking eight goals in the past three rounds, including four in the three-point loss to the Western Bulldogs on Good Friday.

There were also promising signs from medium-sized forward Taylor Garner, who raked in seven marks and 21 disposals, although he went at less than 50 per cent efficiency.

Ruckmen Todd Goldstein and Braydon Preuss are rotating forward as well, with Majak Daw – back in the VFL after being a late withdrawal against GWS because of concussion – another key option.

Wood booted one goal playing in Werribee's forward line alongside teenage prospects Nick Larkey and Ben McKay in a 25-point loss to Geelong on Sunday.

The 23-year-old played three-and-a-half quarters on a minutes restriction.

"It would have been nicer if we could have had a win, but getting through was my main concern," Wood told nmfc.com.au.

"You never know after you have a couple of little setbacks back to back whether you're going to be able to get through a full game, but I got through and that's the most important thing.

"Hopefully (I'm back in the AFL next week). The game time was set up that I'd be able to be available, but I have to get picked."

Wood kicked 12 goals in a successful eight-game stretch for the Kangaroos last year, working in tandem with Waite and Brown, but a knee injury ended his season in round 16.

He slotted two majors in North's opening JLT Community Series game against the Sydney Swans in February, only to strain a hamstring the following week in training.

An unrelated knee setback delayed further the 192cm former Geelong Falcon's return.

"Close games like the one on Friday night was very hard to watch for me – against Geelong as well," Wood said.

"So (I was) sitting there and just going, 'God, I'd love to be out there fighting with the boys', but, at the same time, you've just got to make sure you're right to go when you come back.

"Now I feel like I am right to go, so hopefully I can slot back in."

Wood, who re-signed with the club last year until the end of the 2020 season, has played 16 games for the Roos since being taken at pick No.41 in the 2012 NAB AFL National Draft.

Demoted midfielder Ryan Clarke kicked four goals to make his own case for a senior recall, and Ed Vickers-Willis, Declan Mountford and Jed Anderson joined him in the best players.

Round one AFL debutant Mitch Hibberd left the field on a stretcher after a head clash with Geelong's Tom Atkins.