When the expansion clubs first came into the AFL, many feared their club could lose a raft of its uncontracted players, tempted by the promise of money and a lifestyle change.

North Melbourne has managed to secure all its key players, not losing a single one to either Gold Coast or Greater Western Sydney since they came into existence.  It's a fact senior coach Brad Scott is proud of.

"It's really pleasing that over the last four years we've had a number of players resist the temptation of other offers from football clubs and re-sign with our club.

"We're certainly excited about our prospects in the future and to have players of the calibre of Jack and Daniel re-sign sends a great message to the supporters, our sponsors and certainly to the rest of our playing list," Scott said at Thursday's media conference to announce his and Daniel Wells' contract extensions.

The famed 'Shinboner Spirit' is a phrase that many Kangaroos supporters identify with and while Scott may not call it as such, it's clear the culture of the football club is something he has worked to enhance.

"I constantly say it's an envied culture. In my belief it's unrivalled in the competition, we have the greatest culture in the history of AFL football and it's been an absolute privilege to not only embrace that culture but to try and grow it and make sure our players embrace it."

Players like Andrew Swallow, Ryan Bastinac and Todd Goldstein were in high demand before re-signing at Aegis Park. With the first finals appearance since 2008 now behind them, the future appears bright.

"We're really strong in the belief that we're on the right track. I think the players who are signing up at the moment and who have signed up in the past are demonstrating that they're really happy with the direction we're taking and they've also embraced the culture that those who have gone before us have set up."

In addition to the expansion clubs, the introduction of free agency has undoubtedly changed the footballing landscape.

"In the past 12 months to two years there have been obvious examples of players who don't commit to their clubs and we're entering a different era. Some people say just accept it, it's the world we live in now. But I think it's a vote of confidence that the players want to stay here.

"If you're committed to your club then you stay but the reality of football with free agency is that some players want to leave it until the end of the year. The speculation and the distraction is only an issue if you let it be."

The facilities at Aegis Park have taken another step in the right direction with the newly refurbished ground close to ready for the playing group to train on.

It's all part of a plan that began when Scott came to the club, an attempt to create an atmosphere which would leave potential new draftees excited to be a part of.

The first such instance of the plan paying off came in 2012's Trade Period with former Port Adelaide youngster Ben Jacobs.

"We've set up a first class football department with great people. So I think any young footballer would be absolutely ecstatic to come to North Melbourne and you don't have to take my word for that.

"You can speak to Ben Jacobs who, as an out-of-contact player wanting to come back to Victoria, he pretty much had his choice of all the Melbourne clubs. He was emphatic from Day 1 he wanted to come to North Melbourne.

"Now that hasn't happened to us for a long time. So clearly things are changing, the perception of our club is changing."