Star North Melbourne midfielder Daniel Wells is hopeful of recovering from a severely corked leg in time to line up against Essendon on Saturday.

Wells suffered the contusion last weekend against St Kilda, although he returned to the field for the dying stages of the seven-point win.

“With a six-day break, time obviously plays a role in his recovery, but our medical team will do everything they can to make sure he’s fit,” said Kangaroos director of football Geoff Walsh.