Wells set for AFL return

The longest-running selection drama of North Melbourne’s AFL season could end on Saturday with Daniel Wells again on the precipice of senior football.

Wells has performed well in two VFL outings and looks to have overcome an Achilles injury that has sidelined him since round two.

His condition has improved to the stage where it’s a matter of `when’ not `if’ Wells will return and coach Brad Scott says there is a chance it could come against the Western Bulldogs.

“If Wellsy’s right this week he’ll play, if it’s the first final if we’re fortunate enough to get there, he’ll play in that,” he said on Thursday.

“It’s all about what we think the best 22 is for that week (and) it’s fair to say when Daniel Wells is playing his best he’s in our best side.”

Wells’ season has almost mirrored his 2014 campaign, when a foot injury kept him out for 14 weeks.

The 30-year-old midfielder didn’t play between round five and 21 but didn’t miss a beat in North Melbourne’s first two finals.

Scott said he had every confidence Wells could repeat his act in September this year whenever it was he proved his recovery.

“He’s actually done more work in terms of his physical load than this time last year and he played well in the finals last year,” he said.

“We won’t be rolling the dice.

“If he plays this week it’s only because he’ll be ready to play.”

Against the Bulldogs, the Kangaroos AFL-best record of seven-straight wins comes up against the Dogs own streak of eight wins in a row at Etihad Stadium.

Scott praised his opposite number Luke Beveridge for his effort in lifting the club from 14th last season into the top six.

And while Scott said the club was not getting ahead of themselves after their fine 11-point win over Fremantle, there was a hint of confidence when considering how they’ll tackle the league’s best improvers.

“You can’t help but be impressed with how the Bulldogs have gone about it this year,” he said.

“We’re going to have to work out the best style to play them … something we’ve been pleased with is our ability to be able to change based on who we play and the state of the game.

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