North Melbourne midfielder Tarryn Thomas has denied any chance of an Arden Street departure this season, with the young star looking to see out the remaining two years of his contract.
Thomas' name has been raised in trade discussions in recent weeks, with both Gold Coast and Sydney having been linked to the former first-round pick.
The murmurs have come only months after Thomas re-signed with the Roos until the end of 2024, a contract decision that came prior to a frustrating campaign for the 22-year-old.
The Kangaroos stated Thomas had been required to "win back the trust" of the club in a shock decision to drop the exciting onballer midway through the season, while Thomas spent some time away from the club due to a personal matter.
Injuries also hampered his 2022 season, but the ongoing battles haven't been enough to unsettle the North Launceston product, who remains focussed on getting the best out of his career at North Melbourne.
“I've still got another two years,” Thomas told 7 News when questioned on his future. “I want to focus on my footy and do my two years at North Melbourne.
“Whatever the future holds, (I don't know), but at the moment, I'm happy at North.
“I love the club. The club has done a fair bit for me and my family.”
While the retention of Thomas will be key for the struggling Roos, the club have been forced to open discussions with Port Adelaide in regards to a trade that will see 2021 No.1 pick Jason Horne-Francis return to South Australia.
Like Thomas, Horne-Francis joined the Roos as their top selection at the draft and has found his short time in the blue and white difficult.
But despite the blow that came with Horne-Francis' trade request, Thomas has shown sympathy for his teammate.
"It's pretty flattening," Thomas said.
"That's what is best for him and his family at the moment and his health and that's what I care for.
"(South Australia) is where he plays his best footy, his family is there … it is what it is, hopefully he has a future wherever he goes.
"Best of luck to him.”
Thomas has played 57 games for North Melbourne since joining them as the eighth overall pick from the 2018 National Draft as a Next Generation Academy graduate.