MASON Wood's bid to play finals is in jeopardy, with a knee operation forcing the North Melbourne forward on to the sidelines for at least six weeks.
Wood, 22, was hurt in last Sunday's loss to West Coast when Eagles defender Will Schofield fell across his left knee in a tackle.
Kangaroos coach Brad Scott said the club wanted the promising young player back for a likely berth in September.
"He did have surgery, and they repaired the medial ligament, and also tidied up some other things in the knee," Scott said before training at Arden Street on Thursday.
"We're expecting about a six-to-eight week recovery, which will put him pretty close to the bye before the finals, so it's going to be a tight run back.
"But our attitude … is to do everything we can to get him back, potentially for a finals series. We'll just have to rehab it as best we can."
The last round of the home and away season will occur concurrently with the last round of the VFL season, so whether or not North's affiliate team Werribee makes finals could be important for Wood's hopes of having some match play before returning to the senior side.
Werribee sits in 11th spot with a 4-7 record, but has a game in hand on eighth-placed Essendon (6-6). The Tigers have a percentage almost 25 per cent lower than the Bombers.
Wood is uncontracted for next season but the club has faith he will re-sign, despite a large offer reportedly on the table from the Sydney Swans.
"I've got great confidence in our list management team. All our players are really valuable to us and I'm sure it will all work itself out," Scott said.
Key duo Jarrad Waite (hip) and Daniel Wells (calf) put themselves in line to return for the clash against Port Adelaide on Saturday at Etihad Stadium after joining full training.
"We're hopeful, but they'll have to prove they're absolutely perfect. Otherwise we won't take the risk. So if they play, you can be rest assured they're ready to play," Scott said.
Nick Dal Santo will face Port after overcoming the illness that forced him to be a late out against the Eagles.
Scott said although the Roos' growing injury list was affecting his club's performance, there were positives to take out of the situation.
"It makes things more difficult, no doubt. We're not going to shy away from that. But at the same time, it gives us great opportunity to have a look at other players," he said.
The Kangaroos have lost their last four games after a 9-0 start. A patch of three matches against bottom-10 teams in Port, Collingwood and St Kilda (all at Etihad Stadium) should present an easier run.
Majak Daw rolled his ankle in the VFL last Sunday but took part in match simulation to prove his fitness.
Jumping Drew Petrie (left) joins in the fun at North Melbourne training on Thursday. Picture: AFL Media
