Key defender Wil Dawson is on his way to Arden St after North Melbourne selected the developing tall with pick No.22 in the 2023 AFL Draft.

A Gippsland Power recruit, the 200cm Dawson comes highly rated as a key position prospect, filling a spot that opened up on the club's list following the departure of Ben McKay.

Despite being one of the youngest players in this year's draft pool, he impressed for Vic Country in the under-18s carnival, showcasing his versatility by also playing up forward and in the ruck.

His aerial presence and ground coverage also give him an edge, while his ability to do plenty of dirty works is another notable part of his game.

Hailing from Leongatha in Victoria'a south east, Dawson becomes the second Gippsland Power youngster the Roos have added to its list this draft, following forward Zane Duursma who the club selected with the fourth overall pick.

Alongside Duursma, Dawson joins Tasmanian midfielder Colby McKercher and South Australian tall Taylor Goad as new North Melbourne players.