North Melbourne have announced a two-year contract extension for midfielder George Wardlaw.
The re-signing will lock in the 18-year-old at the club until the end of 2026, giving the club some much-needed stability in its young core.
Wardlaw made his AFL debut against Sydney on Saturday after arriving at Arden Street as the fourth pick in the 2022 National Draft.
George has some news.#Kangas pic.twitter.com/FgBduWX0Sz
— North Melbourne FC (@NMFCOfficial) May 23, 2023
The Kangaroos were also quick to extend young gun Harry Sheezel's contract by two years after a blistering debut.
After ten rounds, list manager Brady Rawlings said he was pleased that North Melbourne has secured its prized picks from last year's draft.
"To have Harry and now George, our two top-five selections from last year's draft, already recommit to the club is a fantastic endorsement of our program," Rawlings said.
"George was one of the highest-rated draft prospects last year despite missing most of his top-age season through injury, and it wasn't hard to see why during his debut on Saturday afternoon with his attack on the ball second to none.
"We feel he is going to be a very special player for us, and we can't wait to see more of him in the royal blue and white over the next few years."
Wardlaw was impressive on debut, applying a game-high nine tackles and winning 16 possessions in the midfield.