North Melbourne has confirmed further list changes ahead of the 2024 AFL Draft, announcing that Charlie Lazzaro and Blake Drury will not be offered contracts for the 2025 season.
These delistings are the latest of a broader overhaul at Arden Street as the club continues to reshape its young core under Alastair Clarkson.
Lazzaro, 22, joined the Kangaroos with pick No.36 in the 2020 AFL Draft and debuted in the opening round of the 2021 season.
Known for his versatility and high work rate, the midfielder-forward played 39 games over four seasons, including nine in 2024. While showing flashes of potential, Lazzaro never managed to secure a permanent spot in the best 22.
In addition to his on-field efforts, Lazzaro was recognised in 2022 with the Peter Scanlon Community Award for his voluntary work with North Melbourne's community program, The Huddle.
Blake Drury, 20, was drafted with the first overall pick in the 2022 Rookie Draft and made his AFL debut in Round 8 of the 2023 season. The young forward featured in 10 games for the Roos, six of them in 2024, but like Lazzaro, was unable to cement his place in the side.
North Melbourne's general manager of football, Todd Viney, acknowledged the difficulty of making these decisions, praising both players for their commitment.
“We thank Charlie and Blake for the effort they've shown during their time at North Melbourne. These decisions are never easy, and we wish them all the best for their future endeavours,” Viney said.
These delistings follow a series of list changes at North Melbourne ahead of the 2025 season.
The club has already parted ways with Curtis Taylor, Bigoa Nyuon, Hamish Free, and Tyler Sellers, while veterans Hugh Greenwood and Liam Shiels have retired. Tarryn Thomas was also recently dismissed from the club due to off-field issues.
The changes come as North Melbourne prepares for a significant draft period, holding picks 2 and 62.
With a wealth of young midfield talent already on the list, the Kangaroos face a crucial call on their Number 2 pick, deciding whether to use it themselves to secure more first-round capital in a potential trade with Richmond.