Josh Goater is the latest Roo to put pen to paper, signing a two-year contract extension to stay at North Melbourne until at least the end of 2025.

Goater, who grew up barracking for North Melbourne, realised his boyhood dream when he was selected from the Calder Cannons with pick 22 in the 2021 AFL Draft. 

The 19-year-old patiently bided his time in the VFL during his first year at Arden St, before receiving the call up for his AFL debut in the final round of the season against the Gold Coast Suns. He was an energetic presence on the wing from the first bounce and his composure quickly shone through, using his second ever disposal to hit up ruckman Todd Goldstein in the middle of the ground with a kick that led to a brilliant team goal. 

Goater has since played three more senior games in the blue and white, providing pace and dare off half-back and on the wing. 

North Melbourne head of football talent Brady Rawlings expressed the club’s excitement to have another up-and-coming player sign on. 

“We are rapt to add Josh to the growing list of young players to recommit to the club,” Rawlings said.

“Josh made great strides over the pre-season with his strength and endurance and has shown the flexibility to play a few different roles for us.

“We look forward to watching him take further steps in his development over the next couple of years.”

Goater is the third player from North Melbourne’s 2021 draft class to recommit the club since the start of the season, alongside Miller Bergman and Jackson Archer. Fellow 2021 draftee Paul Curtis also signed a two-year contract extension towards the end of last season.