A North Melbourne supporter growing up, Xerri fulfilled a lifelong dream when he was taken with pick No.72 in the 2017 AFL Draft.
A bullocking, bruising ruck with strong tap craft, he served a long apprenticeship under club champion Todd Goldstein and developed his around the ground game.
In 2023 incoming coach Alastair Clarkson pinpointed Xerri as a pillar in his plans, but a syndesmosis injury moments into the first match stalled his rise.
North Melbourne debut: Round 4, 2020
Career Brownlow votes: 1
2024: Having been thrown the keys by the coach, Xerri finally got a clean run with injury in 2024 and went on to exceed all expectations.
He averaged 17.9 disposals, 7.5 tackles and 34.5 hitouts on his way to a second-place finish in the Syd Barker Medal and a place in the All-Australian squad.
Along with his form, the helmet he donned from the pre-season on and his successful chase on West Coast speedster Liam Ryan earned him wider recognition and acclaim.
