North Melbourne track watch: All the latest from Kangaroos training as injury list shortens

North Melbourne recruit Caleb Daniel’s recovery from a hamstring issue is on track – and he’s not the only key Roo making big strides on the injury front.

Recruit Caleb Daniel is on track to play in North Melbourne’s practice matches as he works through a hamstring setback.

The ex-Dog suffered a minor strain on the Roos’ first day back for 2025 but showed little signs of worry as he powered through a lengthy running session at training on Monday.

Daniel joined in some drills at the start of the session then stepped out with the rehab group but ran freely, with the rebounding defender expected back into full training in the next couple of weeks.

North Melbourne will hold match simulation against Melbourne on the weekend of February 22 and 23, before an official match against West Coast in Bunbury on March 1.

Caleb Daniel running at North Melbourne training as he works his way back from a hamstring issue. Picture: David Crosling

No modified session for Harry Sheezel on Monday. Picture: David Crosling

The Kangaroos had one of the longest rehab groups in the competition before Christmas but that has thinned down somewhat, with Zac Fisher (foot) and Griffin Logue (wrist) in full training on Monday.

Defender Charlie Comben, recruit Jacob Konstanty and Zane Duursma all joined some drills before setting off for running, while Harry Sheezel took part in the full session after having a slightly modified program before Christmas.

Defender Josh Goater is on the edge of joining full training proper and had a good moment in defence as he works back from an achilles rupture.

The Roos took part in a lengthy full-ground drill, practicing forward stoppages during the Monday session, with Luke Parker and Luke Davies-Uniacke strong at the contest.

No.2 draft pick Finn O’Sullivan worked with the midfield group during the exercise.

Draftee Matt Whitlock played as a defender and is expected to start his career there.

Toby Pink and Charlie Comben both played in defence after swinging forward at times last year.

Josh Goater is on the edge of returning to full training. Picture: David Crosling

Luke Davies-Uniacke looked strong during stoppage work. Picture: David Crosling

Ruck Tristan Xerri spent some time forward of the ball and in his stead, Taylor Goad flashed promising signs in the ruck.

The athletic, but raw, big man, who stands at 207cm, has been touted as the quickest player on the North Melbourne list and he showed off his agility by winning a pair of groundballs when following up from throw-ins.

Colby McKercher enjoyed a highlight with a strong tackle deep in the forward pocket but blew the resulting free kick across the face of goal, to the delight and dismay of teammates.

The diligent second-year Roo then spent several minutes practicing set shots from that exact spot.

PLAYERS WHO IMPRESSED

Josh Goater – Goater injured his Achilles in round 1 last year and appears virtually back to full fitness. He won a groundball in defence during a full-ground drill and set the ball the other way, earning cheers from teammates.

Zac Fisher – The ex-Blue was indifferent in his first year at Arden Street while dealing with injury. But his dash has remained and he bounced off half-back several times during the lengthy session.

Will Phillips – Midfield minutes are only going to be harder to win at North in 2025 but Phillips looks to be doing everything he can to break through. He looks to have bulked up slightly and found plenty of the ball.