LIAM Anthony has re-signed with North Melbourne for the next two seasons.

The hard-running midfielder looked to be at the crossroads earlier in 2012, his fourth AFL season, when he was dropped after North's round seven loss to the Western Bulldogs.

Anthony had also fallen out of favour late last season, missing North's final seven matches through a combination of poor form and a niggling ankle injury.

But North confirmed on Tuesday it had re-signed him until the end of 2014.

North football chief Donald McDonald also told AFL.com.au midfielder Levi Greenwood remained a required player despite a report on Tuesday that he was seeking opportunities at other clubs.

Greenwood had been a regular senior player since 2009, but struggled to break into the Roos' team in 2012, playing just five games.

McDonald said North was in contract negotiations with out-of-contract key forward Lachlan Hansen and was confident of a positive outcome.

Anthony largely earned his contract extension with his positive response to a directive from North's coaches to lift his defensive work rate.

After an exceptional month in the VFL with North Ballarat, he returned to the Roos' team in round 13 against Adelaide.

He was then part of North's impressive 10-2 finish to the home and away season that took them into their first finals series since 2008.

"Liam took huge steps forward this year and it's great that he's re-signed for another two years," McDonald said. 

"What we're seeing is a committed group of players intent on delivering this club some real success in the coming years.
 
"He's had to work on a few specific areas of his game and, to his credit, he's really worked hard to improve and become a well-rounded player."

Anthony's endurance and ability to spread jelled well with the fast-moving, high-possession game plan North coach Brad Scott introduced in 2012.

Anthony, who turned 25 in September, finished 2012 as North's second-highest possession winner, averaging 24.3 a game, just behind skipper Andrew Swallow's 24.5.

He was also ranked second at North for handball receives (11.5 a game, 10th in the AFL) and uncontested possessions (17.2 a game).

Anthony was drafted by North with pick 43 in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft and has played 49 games, including a career-high 19 in 2012.

Nick Bowen covers North Melbourne news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Nick