HARD-LUCK defender Sam Wright has entered the next stage of his recovery from persistent foot and ankle problems, rejoining the main training group at North Melbourne.

The 116-gamer last played an AFL match in round 11, 2016 and had repeated setbacks that restricted him to three VFL appearances last year. 

Wright underwent five ankle operations, but it was the foot issue which ruined his 2017 campaign and saw him turn to the Australian Ballet's principal physiotherapist, Sue Mayes, this pre-season. 

Mayes has taught foot-strengthening exercises and technique to several Roos, including Wright and Ben Jacobs, who has also rejoined main training after missing all of last season. 

North has been patient with the 27-year-old, who is entering the third and final year of his latest contract and remains an important member when he is fit. 

Meanwhile, high-flying forward Taylor Garner, fresh from a career-high 18 games last year, continues to complete an abbreviated program. 

Garner, 24, is one of the Kangas' most exciting prospects, but has a history of hamstring and knee injuries and his program reflects that.

He was held out of the club's AFLX trial games in mid-January, as well as time-trial running and match simulation late last year, and has often trained inside Arden St's headquarters instead.

Garner is viewed as someone capable of one day graduating into a midfield role, but his limited pre-season may postpone that move. 

The Roos have taken a similar off-season approach with Kayne Turner, another who had a career-best 2017.