Three of North Melbourne’s up and coming youngsters have re-committed to the club with Sam Durdin, Kyron Hayden and Lachie Hosie getting new deals.
All three have agreed to one-year contract extensions until at least the end of 2020.
Durdin, a 198cm defender, has been a solid member of North's back six this year, after a series of injury setbacks and limited opportunities.
The 23-year-old fractured his right tibia last year and after a successful pre-season campaign, suffered a serious finger injury.
North GM football Cameron Joyce said he is a valuable asset.
“Sam was probably a bit unlucky earlier on in his career as the competition for spots in the backline was really competitive with the likes of Robbie Tarrant, Scott Thompson and Majak Daw holding down the main spots,” Joyce said.
“But with Majak out and Ed Vickers-Willis injured, there was an opportunity there for someone and Sam stood up and grabbed it with both hands.
“He’s taken every opportunity to improve and we’ve seen some really encouraging signs from him.”
Durdin has played nine games so far this season and 18 games overall, since his debut in Round 3, 2017.
“With Scott Thompson announcing his retirement at season’s end, it presents Sam with a great opportunity for next year. With another solid pre-season, the sky is the limit for him,” Joyce said.
"He has great size and all the attributes you need to be a key defender in this league."
Hayden and Hosie have each inked one-year rookie contracts.
“Kyron showed a great deal of improvement this year but unfortunately suffered a serious achillies injury in his debut game,” Joyce said.
“We believe the setback will only make him stronger and we’re confident he’ll do everything in his power to get another opportunity at AFL level.”
Joyce is confident Hosie, a product of the mid-season draft, will benefit from a full pre-season in the AFL system.
“Lachie hasn’t skipped a beat since arriving at the club. He’s shown some really positive signs in the VFL and has slotted into the system seamlessly,” Joyce added.
“He’s got a great understanding of the game and the right attitude to make it in this league.”
Hosie kicked six goals in his most recent VFL outing on Sunday.