The first day in a new job can be intimidating for anyone, let alone a footballer walking into a room with 45 new teammates and half a dozen new coaches. 

But for Charlie Ham, having a familiar face to call upon made a daunting task that little bit easier.

Ham is good mates with fellow first-year player Charlie Lazzaro, having played together at the Geelong Falcons, and has now moved in with the same host family. 

“I settled in there (last night), had a nice roast for dinner straight up, and ‘Laz’ was telling me all the stuff about the club, so he’s made me feel pretty comfortable,” Ham told North Media.

“He’s (Lazzaro) a very professional player, so he’s a good one to get under his wing. I’ll follow him around everywhere and he can teach me from there.”

Ham arrived at his new club on Monday morning, touring the facilities and meeting staff, before being introduced to the entire playing group.

“All the boys are legends. They got around me so well, just introducing themselves and having a little bit of conversation,” he said.

“I was really comfortable seeing all the boys for the first time. There’s a good vibe already.”

Then, it was onto the track, with Ham pulling on the royal blue and white training kit for his first session as a North player.

The 18-year-old catching the eye early with his raking left-foot kick.

Following his selection at Wednesday night’s Mid-Season Draft, List Manager Glenn Luff described Ham’s strongest traits. 

“We believe his assets: running capacity and ability to hit targets - long and short by foot - suit where the game is going and fills a need in our team,” Luff told North Media.

“He will add a different dimension to our back half and we look forward to his development under the guidance of defensive coach John Blakey, and experienced campaigners in Robbie Tarrant, Aidan Corr and Luke McDonald.”

Fellow draftee Jacob Edwards is yet to join his new teammates, as he continues his school studies during the COVID lockdown. 

The full video interview will be available on NMFC.com.au and the North Melbourne App later this afternoon.