FORWARD Mason Wood is set to make a speedy return from injury for North Melbourne's second JLT Community Series game against Richmond next Wednesday night, while Taylor Garner and Jy Simpkin are also chances to play.
Wood fractured his left thumb in an intra-club game three weeks ago when Jamie Macmillan fell on his thumb after a marking contest.
North originally expected the injury would sideline Wood from contact training for three weeks, but the 24-year-old has fast-tracked his recovery and only needs to complete training on Friday and Sunday to rubberstamp his spot in the Roos' clash with Richmond at Ikon Park.
'Hope' sees Roo pair extend stays
Simpkin has returned to full training after injuring his ankle when he accidentally walked into the path of a motorist less than two weeks ago, but the forward will be assessed closer to Wednesday night's game before being considered for selection.
Garner, who has battled hip and hamstring problems over his five seasons at Arden St, is closing in on a return to the field after being managed conservatively through the pre-season. The 24-year-old is in the frame to take on the Tigers, but North won't take any unnecessary risks with him ahead of its round one game against Gold Coast in Cairns on March 24.
Leadership group member Macmillan will return against Richmond after he was a late withdrawal from North's opening JLT game against Melbourne last Saturday with a severe migraine.
The Kangaroos will also consider resting players who have completed heavy pre-season workloads from Wednesday night's game.