North Melbourne’s recent run of re-signings has continued, with Max Warren’s encouraging season at VFL level earning him a one-year contract extension.

While his second half of the year was hampered by a collarbone injury, the rookie clearly had enough points in the bank to be given another opportunity.

Warren admits there were some nervous moments in the lead-up.

“It was a bit confronting with will I stay or will I go?,” he told NMFC.com.au.  

“Brad (Scott) and Cam Joyce (list manager) took me into Cam’s office. I was holding my breath a little, there was a bit of suspense.

“I was rapt and a little relieved when Joycey said ‘we have good news, we’ll keep you on for next year as a rookie. We know you’re heading on the right track and you know that too’.”

The 20-year-old impressed at North Ballarat, mainly in defensive roles during 2013, but is more than aware he’s still got areas to improve on.

“The main thing is definitely fitness and getting more miles into my legs.

“When it comes to this pre-season I have to make sure I’m fighting fit and able to attack it all by the time it comes around. Then when it comes around to games next year I’m giving myself every chance to play at the highest level.”

A premature end to the season is a setback, but Warren is confident he’ll be ready for day one of the club’s high-altitude camp in Utah.

“I’ve got an intense off-season given I’ve missed a fair chunk of the second half of the year. I’ll have day-to-day activities and I wouldn’t take it any differently.

“That way by the time I come back I’ll hopefully be in top nick so I’m not trying to play catch-up or get to the fitness level I was at before the injury. Whatever gives me the best opportunity to play senior footy is something I’m happy to do.”

Willingly spending his time off working to get better is a testament to the dedication of Warren, also reflected in the uncertain times immediately following his injury.

As a second-year rookie yet to play a senior game, Warren wondered whether he would be at Aegis Park in 2014.

“My mindset was that I can’t control that (his contract), so I’ll just work on my rehab and all the things I can control, like coming back as soon as possible to give myself every chance to continue playing good football.

"In the end I knew I’d given myself every chance, I didn’t have any regrets really.

“I’m just excited to be here for another year with a great bunch of team-mates.”