The club's biggest player at 196cms, A'Vard contacted coach Jarrod Hodgkin Wednesday morning after he was largely unsighted at training over the off-season.

"It's work related, Brodie does a lot of work outside Albury-Wodonga and as he's a painter he gets back pretty late," Hodgkin said.

"Obviously through the summer it's a lot busier than through the winter."

There were internal concerns at Raiders about A'Vard's availability, even as late as last week, and that's understandable given his talent and the club's lack of height.

"We're a pretty small side so all the height we can get obviously's going to help us, along with his strength and ability to go forward," Hodgkin said.

Emerging ruckman Sasha Newnham battled North Albury's man mountain Isaac Muller in the club's first practice match.

A'Vard, who turns 30 next month, started his debut O and M season strongly last year, kicking 15 goals in his first seven games, despite spending long periods in the ruck.

He booted only eight in the last 11, which included a bag of five against wooden spooners Wodonga.

Four of his five Morris Medal votes were clocked up in the opening month.

"He's got to come back and earn his spot and he knows that, but we're happy to have him back," Hodgkin said.

A'Vard should train either Thursday night or early next week.

Meanwhile, the club is undecided when star player Daniel Bowles will resume.

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Bowles will play for Nightcliff in Saturday's Northern Territory Football League grand final against St Mary's.

The defender has played many successive seasons.

"We're not sure if he comes back round one or has a bit of a break first."