North Melbourne is pleased to confirm Will Thursfield has accepted an elevated role as national recruiting and retention manager within the club’s recruiting and list management team.

Thursfield’s expanded role will see him continue to oversee the club’s work at the AFL national draft plus the retention of current North Melbourne talent through contract negotiations.

Thursfield joined the club’s recruiting team in February 2023 as national recruiting manager after five years as a recruiting officer at Richmond.

“Will has fitted into the club seamlessly. He’s a skilled and ambitious individual, and someone we see playing a key role at the club for many years to come,” head of football talent Brady Rawlings said.

“We value Will highly so we’re really pleased to be able to offer him this expanded role which will continue to challenge him in a professional sense.”

Rawlings will continue as head of football talent, a role which encompasses list management strategy, TPP management, trade and free agency.

Experienced recruiter Scott Clayton will also continue in a national talent scout role within the recruiting and list management team.