North Melbourne has added a fifth father-son recruit to its list after selecting River Stevens with its fourth selection, No.67 overall, at the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft. 

The son of former skipper and two-time premiership Kangaroo Anthony, Stevens joins Jackson Archer, Cooper Harvey, Luke McDonald and Bailey Scott as father-sons at Arden Street, as well as father-daughter recruit Amy Smith.

Stevens is a creative small forward who was one of the best performers for the Geelong Falcons in the 2024 Coates Talent League this season, averaging 15.4 disposals, 4.6 marks and a goal per game. 

An eye-catching game against South Australia was his best outing for Vic Country at U18 level, booting two goals on his favoured left foot. 

Described as a "no-fuss" player by North Melbourne national recruiting and retention manager Will Thursfield, River can be expected to bring his father's level of dedication as he forges his own path at North Melbourne. 

"He never takes a backward step," Thursfield said of Stevens, who went straight from watching draft night at his family home to a euphoric reception by classmates at his high school graduation.

"He's got terrific natural endurance," Thursfield added.