VETERAN North Melbourne midfielder Daniel Wells will make a shock comeback in the VFL this weekend.

Wells, who hasn't played at any level since round two, has been battling an Achilles problem for most of the year.

But in a bid to prove his fitness ahead of the finals, the 30-year-old has been given the all clear to play in the North Ballarat side to face Collingwood on Saturday.

"It's a bit of a surprise to us too but to get him in this week is a big bonus for us," coach Brad Scott told the club's website on Thursday afternoon.

"He's really excited and wants to play. It's been frustrating for him because we've had to hold him back. To give him the green light, he was ecstatic."

Wells is expected to play around 50 per cent of the game, but Scott said it will be all about how he pulls up.

"He's still got to pull up well and that's been the challenge for us; getting that continuity. He's done a fair bit of work it just that he’s be inconsistent with how he's pulled up. So he’ll still have to recover well but the signs are good at this point," Scott said.

"For all North Melbourne people it’s great news. He’s a really important part of our side and an irreplaceable player so to have him back and available soon is a massive bonus."