The upside of an AFL season interrupted by injury is that North Melbourne midfield ace Daniel Wells couldn't feel more fresh.
Wells is primed for the Kangaroos' preliminary final against powerhouse Sydney at ANZ Stadium on Friday night after missing much of the season with a troublesome foot problem.
He was sidelined from round six to 21 and then missed round 22 through suspension.
The 29-year-old said a grand final berth would ease the disappointment of missing the bulk of the season.
Wells was only 20 when he made his finals debut in 2005 and the Kangaroos were thrashed.
The midfielder was also part of North's preliminary-final side in 2007 and elimination-final exits in 2008 and 2012.
"I'm disappointed that I didn't get to play a lot of footy this season but it's great that I'm here at the pointy end," Wells said.
"After 16 weeks off the body feels good."
North will be hoping that Wells is able to reproduce his impressive form in their 43-point win over Sydney back in round four before his injury.
Wells, along with Aaron Black, kicked three goals to bank the Kangaroos' first win over the Swans in nine attempts dating back to 2007.
The 29-year-old showed glimpses of his brilliant best in their elimination final win over Essendon, finishing with 28 possessions.
In the semi-final victory over Geelong last week he drew plenty of attention from the Cats allowing teammates Nick Dal Santo and Sam Gibson room to shine.
"I'm slowly getting back there," Wells said.
"As long as I'm out there having an impact and not hurting them in any way, it's so far so good."
Despite the breakthrough win in round four the two-time club best and fairest said finals was a whole new ball game.
He said that the Swans had kicked on since that loss to be the benchmark side.
"After that game they went nuts and won 12 in a row and showed everybody what kind of team they are," Wells said.
He also dismissed the notion that Sydney's game plan falls away in the wet, despite that SCG match being played in the rain.
"It doesn't matter if it rains they're a class act all over the ground," he said.
"They're the best team in the comp so we're not under any illusions they're going to be any worse off in the wet."
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