North Melbourne have re-signed emerging forward Eddie Ford for next season, with the off-contract Roo extending his stay at Arden Street for another 12 months at least.
Ford was set to see the the two-year extension he penned at the end of the 2021 season reach its end in 2024, with the 22-year-old currently midway through his fourth season in the blue and white.
The medium-sized forward has played 36 games for the Kangaroos since making his debut in his rookie season of 2021, with the energetic forward booting 30 goals in his time at the top level.
A breakout performance game last year in the club's final match of the season, with Ford booting three goals from 19 disposals in a drought-breaking win. He would back that up earlier this year with a three goal and 20-disposal effort against Geelong at Kardinia Park.
โWe're excited to have to have Eddie sign on for 2025,โ North Melbourne talent manager Rawlings said in a club statement.
โSince establishing himself as a regular member of our senior line-up, Eddie has brought plenty of energy to our front half and shown his ability to play a few different roles and impact the scoreboard.
โWe look forward to watching him continue his development at Arden Street.โ
Ford joins teammates Charlie Combenย (2027),ย Kallan Dawsonย (2025),ย Brayden Georgeย (2026),ย Tom Powellย (2026),ย Harry Sheezel (2030) and Tristan Xerri (2029) in recommitting to the Roos this year.
Elsewhere, Essendon has sewn up its ruck stocks for the future with first-year tall Vigo Visentini signing a one-year extension after joining the club through last year's Rookie Draft.
A member of the Sandringham Dragons' premiership-winning side last year, the 204cm ruckman has played 14 games for the Bombers' VFL side so far in 2024.
Currently at the end of a selection pecking order that consists of Sam Draper, Todd Goldstein and Nick Bryan, Visentini has been afforded the time to develop his ruck craft and learn off his experienced teammates.
โIt has been a really enjoyable year at the club as all players, coaches and staff members have created a really encouraging and welcoming environment. It has enabled me to develop as a player and person and I feel like I'm improving every week,โ Visentini said in a club statement.
"I've learnt so much from several guys like 'Goldy', 'Drapes' and 'Bryza', but everyone has assisted at different stages.
"It's a super exciting time to be a Bomber and it's fantastic to be able to continue to build capability at a great club.โ
Visenini's best performance of 2024 came in Round 9 of the VFL season when Essendon clashed with Box Hill, with the teenager recording 12 disposals, 25 hitouts and three tackles in a heavy loss to the Hawks.
The re-signing of Visentini, who is now tied to the Bombers until the end of next year, sees the uncapped ruckman join Sam Durhamย (2028),ย Kyle Langfordย (2027),ย Andrew McGrathย (2030),ย Jordan Ridley (2029) and Elijah Tsatas (2026) in recommitting at Tullamarine in 2024.
