North Melbourne ruckman Tristan Xerri is understood to be on the verge of inking a three-year contract extension at Arden Street.
The 23-year-old was a coveted name in last year's off-season exchange window, with Xerri having requested a trade to St Kilda following ongoing interest from the Roos' Victorian rivals.
A deal between the two clubs failed to transpire, with Xerri remaining in blue and white at the conclusion of the trade period with another year remaining on his contract.
Entering this season, eyes were firmly placed on Xerri as he looked to break into David Noble's best 22 and prove his worth.
Across the opening 11 rounds, the Caroline Springs product has emerged as North Melbourne's first-string ruckman, sharing his duties with veteran Todd Goldstein as Noble weighs up his ruck tandem for the future.
With Goldstein seen to likely be on the outer at the Roos come the expiry of his own deal this year, Xerri's value to North has sharply ascended this season.
St Kilda have been anticipated to come calling again in 2022, with Brett Ratten looking to secure a successor to Paddy Ryder at Moorabbin.
Ruck
Hitouts
Marks
Disposals
However, any pursuit is set to fall short as AFL.com.au report Xerri is set to sign on the dotted line with the Kangaroos.
The new deal will see the emerging tall secure his services to the Roos until the end of the 2025 season.
After finalising a deal with Xerri, North Melbourne will be looking to retain several key players currently off-contract.
Cameron Zurhaar, Tom Powell, Lachie Young, Aaron Hall, Ben Cunnington and Curtis Taylor are among the names yet to recommit for 2023.
Zurhaar is understood to have placed contract talks with the Roos on hold until the latter end of the season.
The bullish forward will miss Saturday's trip to Darwin to face Gold Coast after suffering a foot injury in the past week.
The Suns will host North Melbourne at TIO Stadium at 4:35pm (AEST) on Saturday.