The stars are aligning at North Melbourne with another of its promising youngsters from the 2020 draft class extending.
Just days after Ben McKay and Will Phillips re-committed, Charlie Lazzaro, has inked a two-year contract extension until the end of 2024.
“I’m absolutely rapt. I can see the future and the history here at this club and I’m really excited to continue the work we’ve been doing,” Lazzaro told North Media.
“It just goes to show the work North’s doing behind the scenes and credit to the club in how everyone’s going about their training and the culture we’re building.
“There’s definitely big plans and a big future ahead. We’ve had a lot of discussions about moving forward with ‘Nobes’ [David Noble] and the playing group and it’s definitely something fans should be excited about and should be looking forward to in the future.”
Lazzaro said the special bond among the 2020 draftees was considerable and a massive benefit to the wider team.
“I think we’re a group within a group - the first year players - we do a heap together, we spend a lot of time together, we’ve always bouncing ideas off each other and I think it’s something that is really special,” he said.
“I think it’s just really important to have a good balance of being able to enjoy each other’s company then work hard on the track as well and keep ticking off goals together.
“Then obviously the likes of Ben Cunnington, Jy Simpkin, Jack Ziebell, some of the more experienced heads and players here. I think it’s really important to build a young group and mix them in with the more talented and the guys that are more seasoned throughout their AFL careers.”
Debuting in Round 1, Lazzaro has impressed with his hard running, versatility and work rate.
“Charlie has shown an incredible thirst to learn since arriving at the club,” North list manager, Glenn Luff, said.
“His ability to play numerous roles and adapt has been really pleasing, and we’re thrilled he will be a Kangaroo for years to come.
“Our focus is very much on securing our young talent for the long-term and to continue to build on the foundations we have in place.
“We’ve got a really clear plan in place of where we want to go as a club and our list strategy is holding us in good stead, which is evident in what we’ve been able to achieve in the last few days.”
