North Melbourne are hoping to welcome back important forward Ben Brown for their final AFL pre-season game next month.
The 200cm-Brown will miss Sunday's clash against Hawthorn as he recovers from knee surgery but could be named to face Greater Western Sydney on March 10.
Veteran ruckman Todd Goldstein (ankle), best-and-fairest Robbie Tarrant (back) and big man Majak Daw (knee) are all likely to play against Hawthorn at Arden St after missing the first pre-season game.
The Kangaroos are also expected to welcome back onballer Scott Thompson (adductor) and defender Lachie Hansen (quad) as they ramp up preparations for the season proper.
Brown booted a career-best 41 goals last season and looks set to assume the mantle as the leader of the Kangaroos' forward line following the departure of veteran Drew Petrie.
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The 24-year-old has had a history of knee complaints but assistant coach Josh Drummond, who will coach the Kangaroos against Hawthorn, is confident Brown is on track for round one.
"All these guys have had little niggles here and there," Drummond said on Wednesday.
"I think he went for a little cleanout a few weeks ago and he's tracking really well, similar to 'Maj'.
"He's ramped up his training load the last week or two. He's a chance to play probably that last (pre-season) game - all things being well, he's on target for that."
Drummond also shrugged off concerns about exciting big man Mason Wood, who pulled up sore after the Kangaroos' win over Sydney on Sunday.
"I don't think there was anything there," he said.
"It was a couple of guys' first game. The intensity goes through the roof compared to the intra-club so there's a few guys there that would be a little bit sore after their first hitout.
"Mason is no different so I don't think it's anything serious."
The Kangaroos' top pick in last year's draft, livewire forward Jy Simpkin, could also be in line to make his debut against the Hawks.
