Daniel Wells' long injury lay-off and return to peak fitness could be the catalyst for the rejuvenated veteran to deliver some career-best football, his North Melbourne teammate Jamie Macmillan says.
Wells tore apart the Kangaroos' intra-club match on Friday, slotting four first-half goals and displaying the poise of years gone by to warm the hearts of several hundred supporters at Arden Street.
The 31-year-old has seemingly overcome a nightmare run of injuries after frustrating foot and Achilles complaints restricted him to just 12 games in the past two seasons as the Roos reached back-to-back preliminary finals.
Having shed 6kg this summer, Wells has never been in better shape and should boost North's push for a flag, with Macmillan predicting the dual club champion's output would hit new heights after his lengthy stint on the sidelines.
"Absolutely, I reckon (he'll get back to) his best and better," Macmillan toldAFL.com.au.
"They always say when guys miss a bit of footy it sometimes benefits them later on.
"He's had effectively two years off and he's cherry-ripe to go, his passion for the game is still there, so he really wants to improve and especially with the other forwards down there, he's got a good bond with them.
"I think you'll see good things from Wellsy this year."
Only four times in the past nine years has the former No.2 draft pick played at least 20 games in a season, however Wells' dedication to rebuilding his fitness from what some thought were career-threatening injuries has impressed Macmillan.
"It's good to see him back. He's a class above and always has been," Macmillan said.
"He's been able to get his body right the last two or three months and in that first half (of the intraclub) we saw what he can do.
"He got hit up probably last year a little bit about presenting in the right shape and he's presented terrifically well."