North has taken a cautious approach with Grima this summer, hoping to avoid a recurrence of the back and knee injuries that disrupted his previous two pre-seasons.
The Roos started him on a modified program at November's Utah training camp and have gradually increased his workload since.
The Roos' strategy looks set to pay dividends, with Grima back in full training and moving extremely well in match practice at Craigieburn's Highgate Recreation Reserve this week.
The 27-year-old told NMFC.com.au he was hoping to be part of North's entire NAB Cup campaign for the first time in his career.
"I've been training with a bit of continuity this pre-season, which has been nice," Grima said.
"The whole time I've been [at North] I think I've only played one pre-season game and I got injured in that, so I'm looking forward to – touch wood – having a lot better pre-season campaign this year."
Continuity is something that has eluded Grima in his five seasons at Aegis Park.
Although established as one of North's best key defenders since 2010, Grima has never played more than 17 games in a season (2010), with injuries limiting him to just 12 games in 2011 and 13 last year.
Grima was rushed back to play in last year's first elimination final at Patersons Stadium after injuring his left hamstring in North's round 20 win over Essendon.
Like most North players, Grima was well below his best in that final against the Eagles.
With the Eagles' midfield constantly bombarding the ball inside their forward 50, Grima and his fellow defenders struggled to contain West Coast's tall forwards.
Grima was also unable to generate his usual counterattack, winning just five possessions, way down on his season average of 17.
Grima says the pain of that final has burned in his stomach this pre-season.
"I didn't have a kick in the first half and I think the ball was up there 90 per cent of the time, so that's been the real driving force for me this year," he says.
"I want to make amends for that and go on and have the best year yet.
"I came in [against the Eagles] underdone and I put my hand up to play and I didn't play a role whatsoever.
"I don't think I was on my own that day. But for me personally and I know the [rest of the] guys … you're only as good as your last game, so we're all pretty shithouse at the minute."
But Grima is confident North's 2013 pre-season has set it up to bounce back.
"It's been a huge pre-season. The younger guys are bigger and stronger and I just hope I can get a game with them."
Nick Bowen covers North Melbourne news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Nick
