Having not finished higher than 17th since 2019, North Melbourne could finally break the shackles that have seen them call the foot of the ladder home for most of the last half-decade.

The addition of five first-round draft picks will add to an already positive 2022 draft crop that included Rising Star winner Harry Sheezel and midfield gun George Wardlaw, with the Roos again carrying one of the younger lists into the competition next year.

Star onballer Luke Davies-Uniacke will again lead by example as the key cog at the heart of the Roos' gameplan, while spearhead Nick Larkey will be looking to improve on his career-best 71-goal season.

With Alastair Clarkson also in line to coach a full season after an interrupted start to his Arden Street tenure, a win tally close to double their 2023 count will be in their sights.

Ahead of the next chapter of the North Melbourne rebuild, here's what the Roos' best side for next season might look like...

BEST 23s: ADELAIDE, BRISBANE, CARLTON, COLLINGWOOD, ESSENDON, FREMANTLE, GEELONG, GOLD COAST, GWS, HAWTHORN

3. Forwards

Headlined by breakout goalkicker Nick Larkey, the Roos' forward line lacks top-line talent but does boast plenty of potential.

A dominant year for Larkey came with little support, with the Roos' second-best goalkicker coming in the form of Jaidyn Stephenson, who booted 26 goals from 21 games.

Injury prevented sparkplug Cam Zurhaar from having an improved year, with the livewire attacker set to play as a taller target again next year given the Roos' lack of star key forward talent outside of Larkey.

The young Eddie Ford can play taller than his 189cm stature suggests, while Stephenson and Paul Curtis can also be threats in the air.

HOBART, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 24: Debutant, Paul Curtis of the Kangaroos kicks the ball during the 2022 AFL Round 06 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Geelong Cats at Blundstone Arena on April 24, 2022 in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Sheezel could drift forward and play his more traditional role as a small attacker, while draftee Zane Duursma could help connect the Roos' front half with his ability to roam up the field and help with attacking ball movement.

The aforementioned Comben's role for 2024 could be at either end of the field, with a role down back potentially opening the door for Callum Coleman-Jones to help Larkey in the front third.

Father-son selection Cooper Harvey will look to add to his three appearances from this year while Mid-Season Draft recruit Rob Hansen Jnr. will also be knocking on the door for a spot in the Roos' side.