North Melbourne have responded to reports the club has held conversations to offer Collingwood free agent Brayden Maynard a substantial offer to try and pry the premiership Magpie to Arden Street.
Maynard was recently linked to the Roos, who were said to be readying a deal that could see the Magpie defender earn close to $1 million per season for at least the next five years.
The reported interest comes as Maynard weighs up his future in the black and white, with the 28-year-old able to assess the open market given his status as a free agent.
While quashing suggestions the Roos have held talks to offer Maynard a lucrative long-term deal, football boss Todd Viney told 3AW over the weekend that Maynard would be a player who could "help us" in defence.
Viney flagged the club's backline as a potential area for improvement over the off-season, hoping to "stiffen up" the Roos' defensive stocks.
"It's probably a little premature, the reporting," Viney said of reports linking Maynard to the club.
"We haven't had anything near that conversation with his manager or Brayden, but we're aware of every free agent, restricted free agent or player coming off-contract.
"We scout that world probably two years out, so he's a player we're aware is out of contract.
"We think we need to stiffen up a bit behind the ball. Defensively speaking, we need to get stronger and he's a player that could potentially help us in that area if he decided to ever leave."
The Roos have their own free agent to secure, with star midfielder Luke Davies-Uniacke still unsigned beyond this season as he too weighs up a career call.
The former Pick 4 selection is said to have interest from St Kilda, however the Roos competitive start to the year could be a catalyst in his decision-making.
"We're still hopeful we'll get a decision sooner rather than later," Viney said of Davies-Uniacke's future.
"All we can do is create the right environment for him. If we keep winning games I think that's going to help too.
"We're confident that's going to take care of itself, but it'd be nice to sign him up, for sure."
The Roos also have Brynn Teakle, Aidan Corr and Toby Pink eligible for free agency in 2025, while Will Phillips, Josh Goater, Darcy Tucker and Josh Goater, among others, are unsigned for next season.
