SCOTT Thompson says he 'would love' Daniel Wells to make a shock return for North Melbourne's elimination final against Richmond.

Wells joined his teammates on the training track on Thursday and if Thompson had his way, the star Roo would be picked as the substitute for Sunday's must-win contest at the MCG.

"I think he's training today and there has been a bit of talk that he could be sub, and I'd love him as sub," Thompson said before training.

"He's a genius. If he's fit, it's a good option the coaches have for selection."

Match preview: Tigers v Kangaroos

Intrigue surrounded Wells after he failed to join teammates for the start of their training session at Arden Street on Thursday.

But the star midfielder finally emerged out of the clubrooms and was immediately put through some light kicking drills away from the main group.

Kangaroos coach Brad Scott said on Tuesday he was considering bringing Wells in as the substitute for the elimination final.

Wells has not played a senior game since he was substituted out of North's round two win over the Brisbane Lions with an Achilles tendon injury.

The 30-year-old returned in the VFL a month ago and played three consecutive games before sitting out last weekend with a minor calf strain.

Forward Lindsay Thomas trained, despite being in doubt because of plantar fasciitis, while Kayne Turner, who was concussed in last Friday night's clash with the Tigers, was also put through his paces.

Thompson said he would have preferred not to have been one of the nine players rested against Richmond last week, but hopes the break will serve him well for Sunday.

"I hate missing games, but I do what's best for the club," he said.

'We're here to win finals and win the premiership, so I think that gives us the best chance to win this game."

"I don't like any opposition and it's a final so it's ruthless out there. There'll be no friends out there definitely, but that's every week."

North made it all the way through to the preliminary final last year before being bundled out by the Sydney Swans by 71 points.

But Thompson believes the team is better prepared this season.

"We're getting used playing in finals and I just can't wait for the crowd to turn up and have 90,000 there."

The North backline will have a tough task curtailing the influence of Jack Riewoldt and Ty Vickery, with Thompson and Robbie Tarrant likely to get those match-ups.

But the Roos also have to be wary of Dustin Martin, who has kicked 24 goals this season, when he's the deep threat up forward. 

"He's a great player, he's good one-on-one and he's really strong. We've got a good matchup for him but I won't say who it is," Thompson said.