North Melbourne forward Charlie Comben has signed a two-year contract extension, tying him to the club until at least the end of 2025.

The 21-year-old arrived at Arden St from the Gippsland Power via pick No.31 in the 2019 AFL Draft as a promising key position prospect. 

After an injury-interrupted start to his career, he made his AFL debut in Round 22, 2021 against the Sydney Swans and kicked his first goal after the siren to cut the losing margin to 14 points. 

On the back of 19 goals from nine games in the VFL last year, he worked hard over the pre-season to establish himself as a mainstay in North Melbourne’s senior line-up in 2023 and looked poised for a breakout season. 

He had featured in every game this year, kicking four goals, laying 21 tackles and assisting in the ruck, before cruelly suffering a long-term leg injury in Round 7 against Melbourne. 

North Melbourne head of football talent Brady Rawlings said the club looked forward to seeing more of what Comben has to offer when he returns to play, including working up forward with spearhead Nick Larkey.

“We are thrilled to add Charlie to the list of players to recommit to the club this season,” Rawlings said.

“While injuries have restricted Charlie to only nine senior games during his time at the club, he has impressed with his resilience and competitive nature and has a lot of potential with his aerial strength and agility that belies his 199cm frame.

“We see Charlie as an important part of our forward line, and we are excited about what he can bring to it as he continues his development over the next two years.”

Comben is the eighth Roo to recommit to the club this season, joining Larkey, Jy Simpkin, Harry Sheezel, George Wardlaw, Josh Goater, Miller Bergman and Jackson Archer.