North Melbourne has received a major boost ahead of the NAB Cup, re-signing coach Brad Scott as well as two of its biggest stars to long-term deals.
Scott, who led the Kangaroos to their first finals campaign since 2008, has committed for a further three seasons beyond 2013.
"We're moving into a really exciting phase at our football club. We've made great progress over the last three years under the guidance of Brad Scott and we have a strong platform from which to launch in future years," CEO Carl Dilena said.
"He is, in our view, the best young coach in football. Not only does he bring tremendous innovation and systematic strategy to our football department he's also a man of great character and integrity.
"He's fully embraced and built on our unique culture at North Melbourne. The extension through to 2016 demonstrates our commitment to Brad and our belief that he is the man to take our football team to the next level with the ultimate goal of securing our fifth premiership.
After initially signing with the club in 2009, Scott received a contract extension in 2011 which stretched to the end of 2013. However there was never any extended deliberation when this opportunity presented itself.
"When Carl and James approached me about extending it wasn't a negotiation, it was a five-minute discussion and a very, very easy decision for me," Scott explained.
"I wouldn't call them negotiations because they've just been agreements. The club committed to me at the end of 2009 and I was extremely grateful for the opportunity. They took a calculated risk with me as a 33-year-old coach who had done an apprenticeship with Collingwood as an assistant coach but still a very inexperienced senior coach.
Meanwhile, Daniel Wells has joined co vice-captain Jack Ziebell and Scott in signing on until the end of 2016.
"I said a little while back that I wanted to a Kangaroo for my entire career and this means I'm another step closer to that," Wells said.
"I've spend my entire footy life at North and couldn't be happier with where we are headed."
Scott pointed at the significance of Wells' re-signing by mentioning the key midfielder at the beginning of his comments.
"I'd like to congratulate Daniel. He's been a key part of our football team since my arrival at the end of 2009. He's a critically important part of our team and a very underestimated leader within our playing group. It's a great vote of confidence."
On Thursday, Ziebell also spoke of his intention to play out his career at Aegis Park.
"I'd like to be a one club player and it's important that you get looked after and North has been fantastic.
"The club's heading in a fantastic direction and I'm just thrilled to be a part of it."