Former Gold Coast Sun Darcy Macpherson has been seen training with North Melbourne, fueling speculation that the 27-year-old could be eyeing a second chance in the AFL.
After being delisted by the Suns at the end of the 2024 season, Macpherson is on the hunt for a new club and was spotted at Arden Street on Monday as North Melbourne commenced its preseason training.
Macpherson, who played 97 games for the Suns since his 2016 debut, has shown glimpses of his versatility as a midfielder and small forward.
Notably, he finished third in the club's 2019 Best and Fairest count but struggled for regular selection under new coach Damien Hardwick, managing just two senior appearances in 2024.
The sighting at North Melbourne comes three years after a potential move to the Roos fell through during a 2021 trade window.
At the time, a "salary dump" deal was considered but ultimately did not materialise, leaving Macpherson to continue his stint with the Suns.
Alongside Macpherson, recently delisted St Kilda youngster Olli Hotton also participated in the session.
Hotton, a former Sandringham Dragons standout and the son of ex-AFL player Trent Hotton, was cut by the Saints after failing to make his senior debut since being selected at pick 35 in the 2022 AFL Draft.
Known for his speed and forward pressure, Hotton's inclusion in training suggests he is also exploring his options ahead of the 2025 season.
The presence of both players at the session signals North Melbourne's potential interest in bolstering their depth as they continue to rebuild under senior coach Alastair Clarkson.
The Roos have been active in the offseason, securing veteran Luke Parker from Sydney, who was also present at Monday's session, though he focused primarily on running drills rather than full-contact training.
If not redrafted as rookies, Macpherson and Hotton could make the shift through the AFL supplementary selection period, where clubs can invite delisted free agents to train in the hopes of earning a spot on their lists for the upcoming season.
For Macpherson, it could be a chance to revive his career in a new environment, while for Hotton, it presents an opportunity to break into the AFL ranks after a challenging start at St Kilda.
