As another rough season draws to a close for the Kangaroos, they find themselves with another opportunity to help speed up their rebuild with some inclusions over the off-season.
A year plagued with matters surrounding their coach, injuries and a heartbreaking loss due to a rule infringement, fans are hoping for a chance to catch a breath and look forward to what can be improved on before the 2024 season.
With the season's end in touching distance, a few North Melbourne veterans have called time on their careers in the hopes of gifting younger players the opportunity to create a new foundation for the future of the club.
So here are our top five players that the Kangaroos could lure to Arden Street.
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Obviously, with Todd Goldstein retiring as well, they will need a backup ruck to Tristan Xerri, who is expected to take the reins as the main ruckman at North Melbourne.
The 25-year-old Bulldog hasn't quite been able to get the opportunities in the senior side thanks to Tim English and Rory Lobb, who fill both roles in the Bulldogs' side. However, he has managed to find himself in the team 11 times in his career.
Within that period, he averages 21.4 hitouts (average), 7.2 hitouts to advantage (above average), and 2.1 clearances (average). With strong numbers particularly through his hitouts to advantage as a 'third string' ruckman at the Bulldogs, more minutes at North Melbourne could open his potential and create better looks for the younger Kangaroos midfielders.
The move could make him a viable replacement as Xerri takes on the responsibility of the number one ruck role.
The out-of-favour Blue has been attracting attention from rival clubs, in particular St Kilda in recent times, making it a great option for the Kangaroos to steal.
The 23-year-old just hasn't been find the same level of selection consistency and has been in and out of Carlton's senior side, but Dow will almost a guarantee to minutes in the Kangaroos' ensemble, especially after retirements to Jack Ziebell, Aaron Hall, and Ben Cunnington.
Over his career, Dow has averaged 13.6 disposals, 2.5 tackles and 2.6 clearances per game, with this season being his best clearance-wise with 3.3 per game and could provide the desperate assistance in the midfield that North Melbourne require.
Whilst he has only kicked 21 goals over his career, two years of kicking seven goals (2018 and 2019) makes him a dangerous option for North if he makes a break forward and becomes within range.
Fisher could be another good option to steal from Carlton as he demands more playing time in the midfield, with the Blues unable to meet those demands.
Multiple clubs are believed to have an eye on Fisher, with a move across the city potentially on the cards instead of a switch back to his home state of Western Australia.
The 25-year-old ticked over the 100-game milestone this year but has missed some games due to injury and form. This season, he has averaged career-best figures with 19.3 disposals (elite), 3.6 marks (above average) and 1.2 tackles (below average). His ability to find the ball both on the ground and uncontested has also been a standout.
In terms of possessions, Fisher averages four 'ground ball gets', 14.2 uncontested possessions and 5.3 contested touches per game. However, in comparison to other years, he is more than capable of being involved.
With a playstyle like this, Fisher could be a top player at Arden Street as a young asset with experience that would excite the North Melbourne office.
Fisher is contracted to the Blues until 2025 but is said to be exploring his options.
A key position for the Kangaroos to fill is the defence, with Ben McKay seen likely to leave at the end of the season through free agency. Melican provides a good option as he too could also be open to a move.
Melican has only been able to play seven games in 2023 and has relatively strong numbers for a defender. This season he has averaged; 10.1 disposals (average), 2.4 tackles (elite), 5.9 spoils (above average), and 1 intercept mark (below average).
Melican has struggled to gain new opportunities in the past two seasons as an intercept defender due to the emergence of the McCartin brothers, Tom and Paddy.
A key statistic for Melican is that from 13 one-on-one contests, he has only lost one - rating as one of the best contest defenders in the competition. He could match up with some of the best forwards and can look to halt the defensive lapses that have plagued the Kangaroos.
With his contract concluding at season's end, North Melbourne should be keeping an eye on Melican.
Nick Larkey needs a fellow key forward to play alongside as it is far too easy for the opposition to place most of their attention on locking down the one forward. Enter Chris Burgess.
Burgess hasn't received many chances on the Gold Coast but has led the VFL side to success over two seasons.
In the VFL, Burgess currently leads the league in goalkicking with 42 goals in 15 games, a campaign that follows his Frosty Miller Medal-winning season when he booted 52 goals.
He also racks up 13 disposals, 5.1 marks and even finds himself playing as a backup ruck with 12.2 hitouts per game, with the Suns tall another possible ruck option for the Kangaroos.
With knowledge of his ability to be a utility key forward and the lack of opportunities at the Suns, North Melbourne could look to swoop on Burgess with an offer of playing time in the senior side that would be too good to refuse for the 27-year-old.