The 20-year old has been earmarked for more midfield time, and assistant coach Darren Crocker can even see comparisons between him and one of North Melbourne's best.
"Kieran has done a lot of midfield work (in the pre-season) so he gets a feel for bodies in close,” Crocker told NMFC.com.au following training on Wednesday.
"We think he's got some attributes that can really help us in there with his pace and his agility; not dissimilar to Daniel Wells."
While the prospect of Harper and Wells running through the centre at the same time is tantalising for North supporters, the further improvement and depth of North’s midfield rotations also provides reason for excitement.
"(Shaun) Atley trained as a midfielder during the pre-season but we also know how damaging he can be off half-back with his run and penetration," Crocker added.
"Ben Cunnington has improved again with his clearance work and his midfield work so those three (Harper, Atley and Cunnington) from a midfield perspective have done a really good job through the pre-season."
Three wins from three to begin the NAB Cup meant North was on the verge of a Grand Final appearance, before its campaign was cut short with a close loss against Geelong.
"It was good to get over the line in the two tri-series games and in really oppressive conditions against Gold Coast in Townsville. That was a really sapping game for the guys and then there were some good signs against Geelong.
“It's still disappointing to lose in basically a preliminary final for us… we could have been playing in a NAB Cup Grand Final.”
The Kangaroos’ opportunity to turn their fortunes ahead of the home and away season comes on Saturday against Hawthorn at Craigieburn's Highgate Recreation Reserve.
Two successive games in extreme heat means a change of personnel could be in order. However it's the not-so-new recruits that have caught Crocker's eye, including former Demon Jordan Gysberts.
"He (Gysberts) is in the mix for Round 1. The first couple of rounds he really put his best foot forward.
“He didn't have such a good game down at Geelong, but we've gone through his game and had a look at areas he can improve on. His attitude has been really good and really strong and he looks like he's a player who really wants to develop and get better.”
Ruckman Daniel Currie has been dubbed as one of the best pick-ups of the off-season externally, and Crocker can add another glowing endorsement.
"He’s been super impressive. He's really relishing another opportunity and he's obviously gained an enormous amount of confidence from going back and playing in the SANFL last year.
"He's another one who's going to make it a hard decision for match committee come Round 1."
