Onballer George Wardlaw will face a test later in the week ahead of the club’s trip to Sydney.

Wardlaw entered AFL concussion protocols following a training incident on June 27 and has missed the Roos’ past two clashes against the Western Bulldogs and Gold Coast.

If healthy, he’s expected to slot straight back into the senior side that takes on the League-leading Swans on Saturday.

“George has been progressing through the graduated physical loading program across the past week,” North Melbourne head of performance Kevin White told NMFC Media.

“He is feeling energised after he rejoined group skills training today (Tuesday) and only needs to tick off during Thursday’s main contact session to be available.”

Defenders Zac Fisher (foot) and Miller Bergman (ankle sprain) also face tests ahead of Round 18.

Fisher was subbed out of North Melbourne’s Round 16 match against the Bulldogs and missed the club’s win over the Suns, while Bergman went into recovery and swelling management late last week after rolling his ankle in an aerial contest during main training.

“Zac has made great progress in recovering from that midfoot sprain suffered against the Dogs, after failing to clear availability last Thursday,” White said.

“He had a positive running session on-ground on Saturday morning and progressed into group training this morning.

“Miller’s swelling has come down each day since the sprain and he completed a strong running session on-field today.”

Youngsters Wil Dawson and Blake Drury will both be available for selection this week after overcoming their respective complaints.

Dawson suffered an AC joint injury out west during North Melbourne’s thrilling victory over West Coast and hasn’t featured since, while Blake Drury went down with a moderate-grade MCL issue back in the reserves’ Round 11 clash with Coburg.

“Wil has progressed in every session both in the gym and on-field with returning to top-end levels of strength and function,” White said.

“He was part of a game-loading footy conditioning session at Arden Street on Saturday morning and has reintegrated into the main group training program this week.

“Blake ticked off his final strength markers last week.

“He has built great conditioning over the past three weeks and worked really hard in setting himself for a strong back end to the season.”