North Melbourne track watch: Tarryn Thomas, Luke McDonald missing from main group

Tarryn Thomas was forced to watch on as the North Melbourne main group completed a tough session in the summer sun, and he wasn’t the only one missing.

Tarryn Thomas (R). Picture: David Crosling

North Melbourne star Tarryn Thomas remains on light duties just six weeks out from the club’s first pre-season scratch match.

Kangaroos players returned to the track from their Christmas break at La Trobe University on Wednesday, but Thomas was one of a number of senior players still missing from the main group.

The 23-year-old warmed up and completed some light kicking and marking drills on a nearby soccer pitch, before watching on from the sidelines as teammates were put through a tough session in the summer sun.

Thomas, who is out of contract at the end of this year, is being carefully managed after undergoing a procedure in November aimed at improving ongoing groin soreness.

Tarryn Thomas is working his way back to full fitness. Picture: David Crosling

Co-captain Luke McDonald joined Thomas in completing some light drills away from the main group as he continues to build his fitness after hamstring surgery last August.

Defender Aiden Corr was also part of the rehab group as he is eased back into training after suffering a serious ankle sprain during North Melbourne’s pre-season training camp on the Gold Coast last month, while fellow backman Griffin Logue continues to work his way back from a knee reconstruction last July.

Charlie Comben and Jackson Archer both completed light drills before running some laps.

The Kangaroos are set to face off with Collingwood in match simulation on February 21, ahead of an official pre-season clash with St Kilda on March 3.

Luke Davies-Uniacke is a vital cog to North Melbourne’s midfield. Picture: Getty Images

TRACK STARS

Kangaroos midfielder Luke Davies-Uniacke looks fit and ready to build on a career-best 2023 season.

Davies-Uniacke missed nine matches through injury last year, but still finished fourth in the club’s best-and-fairest count after averaging 27.4 disposals and 6.7 clearances a game.

The 24-year-old returned to pre-season in November in ripping shape and looks primed for another big year leading the onball brigade.

Forward Cam Zurhaar also looks as fit as ever, having well and truly overcome an ankle injury which ended his 2023 campaign early and required surgery.

Zurhaar — who is poised to play his 100th game in round 1 — booted 20 goals from 16 games last season.

Harry Sheezel will be hoping to emulate Nick Daicos and take his game to another level in his second season. Picture: Getty Images

YOUNG TALENT TIME

Last year’s top-four draft picks Colby McKercher and Zane Duursma have slotted in seamlessly over pre-season, impressing with their skills and attitude on the track.

But there have also plenty of eyes on 2022 top-four picks Harry Sheezel and George Wardlaw.

Sheezel could not have started his career much better last season, winning the club’s best-and-fairest and the AFL’s Rising Star award.

However, he has continued to raise the bar during his second summer at the club, further improving his fitness as he pushes for more midfield minutes.

After featuring in only eight games last year due to injury issues – off a very limited pre-season – Wardlaw is also in full training with the North Melbourne midfield group and is moving well.

The contested-ball beast certainly shapes as a player to watch in 2024.