North Melbourne defender, Sam Durdin, has signed a two-year contract extension with the Kangaroos.
Durdin, 20, will now remain at Arden Street until at least the end of the 2019 season.
The 2014 draftee had a difficult first two years at the club's before an impressive start to the season in the reserves saw him make his debut in round three against Greater Western Sydney.
"My first two years weren't overly great in terms of progression, but Brad (Scott) and I had a fairly honest chat in our exit meeting at the end of last year and just spoke about how important it was to get in the right shape for the 2017 season," Durdin said.
"After that meeting I stayed in Melbourne over the off-season and worked with Ben Cunnington and our running coach. We just all stuck together and got a fair bit done, so I was able to come back in pretty good shape and have a good pre-season.
"I had no hesitation in staying and trying to get the most out of myself. It was the last year of my contract and I hadn't played a game yet, so it was fairly important to start the season well.
"I had to get a few games under my belt and just prove to Brad and the coaching staff why I should still be on the North Melbourne list."
Durdin, who finished with 10 disposals in his debut, said his first game was a learning experience, but is looking forward to trying to cement his spot in the side this year.
"I found it a much higher level from any type of footy I've played before in my life, especially the first half, just trying to adapt to the pace of the game and the bigger bodies took a bit to get used to," Durdin said.
"But after that you get more comfortable and feel more involved in the game, so I took a fair bit out of it.
"Scotty pulled me aside after my debut and said, 'Keep going in the VFL, keep your form up, play some good consistent footy and your opportunity will come.'
"I'm just trying to do everything I can in the meantime to make sure I'm ready when my next opportunity comes."
