North Melbourne has locked away the future of exciting forward Eddie Ford, with the 2020 draftee agreeing to a two-year contract extension, tying him to the club until at least the end of 2024.

Ford played five games in his debut season, after being taken with the 56th selection at the NAB AFL Draft.

His excellent VFL form was rewarded with a debut in Round 16 when he was North’s medical substitute. The 19-year-old made his first in-game appearance in Round 20 against Geelong.

List manager Glenn Luff says Ford is a key part of the young, developing list the Roos are putting together.

“We’re really excited to have extended Eddie’s contract. The improvement he made over the 2021 season was really strong,” Luff told North Media.

“Playing those last few games and getting a really solid taste of senior football will only help his development.

“He was playing as a tall forward for a good chunk of his time in the VFL, so he gained some experience working against bigger bodies.

“He’s a nice mover, and he can think quickly and instinctively when he has the ball. He’s a real asset to our list.”

Recruited from the Western Jets, Ford had an instant impact on his teammates, with the young forward forming a particularly close bond with his fellow first-year players.

Following the recent re-signings of Phoenix Spicer and Patrick Walker, Ford’s commitment to the club means every first-year player selected at the 2020 draft has extended their contracts.

“Eddie’s a great person to have around the group. He’s confident in his own abilities, and so are we. He’s a really humble and down-to-earth individual, and he’s a great character to have at the club,” Luff added.