SENIOR North Melbourne players Daniel Wells and Nathan Grima could make long-awaited returns in the VFL this weekend, along with fellow long-term injury absentees Jamie Macmillan and Joel Tippett.

Wells and Grima have been sidelined with foot injuries since rounds five and seven respectively, while Macmillan (broken fibula) and Tippett (pectoral) have been missing since rounds three and 10.

North announced on NMFC.com.au on Tuesday morning that all four players could line up in the VFL this weekend if they completed training this week.

Wells' absence has been most keenly felt by the Roos in 2014. If the star on-baller can return to fitness and form before the finals, he will help take some of the outside midfield burden off veteran Brent Harvey.

The imminent returns of key defenders Grima and Tippett will also be welcomed by a North defence that looked undermanned against Carlton talls Lachie Henderson, Levi Casboult and Jarrad Waite in round 18.

Defender/midfielder Macmillan is also a valued member of North's team and had played 49 consecutive senior games before his injury.

Twitter: @AFL_Nick.