North Melbourne will have their hands full in keeping some of their young stars at Arden Street, and Colby McKercher isn't any different.
The Pick 2 of the 2023 AFL Draft hails from Tasmania and will be priority No.1 when the Devils enter the competition in 2028.
McKercher - who is contracted until the end of 2026 - would be seen as the face of the AFL's newest club, hitting the ripe age of 23 when his state finally has something to show at the top level.
However, to the delight of Kangaroos fans, the classy left-footer has pledged his allegiance to the struggling club, flagging the potential growth North Melbourne has in its list as one of the reasons to stay put.
"Honestly, I can't really see myself going anywhere at all as long as we keep climbing up, which I have no doubt at all we will," McKercher said, according to the Herald Sun.
"I really love the group, to be honest. I'm really excited about what we could achieve in the future.
"I'm super optimistic about what kind of team we could be because of the talent we have as a young group.
"And honestly, I've got 44 of my best mates to work with every day. There's just so many different personalities. And yeah, really good people at the club. And you know the staff are really good as well."
North Melbourne sought much-needed experience in the latest trade period and landed the likes of Jack Darling, Luke Parker and Caleb Daniel to help steer the ship into greener pastures.
The Kangaroos also welcomed highly-touted gun Finn O'Sullivan with Pick 2 in the National Draft, as well as Matt Whitlock (Pick 27), Luke Urquhart (Pick 57) and River Stevens (Pick 67).
The Arden Street club will enter 2025 as the youngest list in the AFL, which McKercher isn't shying away from.
"We have so much talent, and we have picked up more talented guys in the draft," McKercher continued.
"So it's going to be super exciting, and North Melbourne fans should be super keen for what we can do even next year."
When North Melbourne took McKercher with Pick 2 last year, they knew they'd have to fend off the lure of returning to his home state.
The AFL will equip Tasmania with the means to land multiple stars of the competition to ensure they hit the ground running, and avoid a repeat of the Gold Coast Suns, who are yet to make finals after 14 seasons.
But the 19-year-old, who played 16 games in his maiden campaign, can't picture trading out the white and blue for the Tassie Devil.
"I think I pictured myself being here my whole life like I used to come over when I was playing underage Tassie Devils football," McKercher said.
"And I always envisioned myself being over here playing football. I have some family over here, which I live close to, and I see often.
"I've kind of dreamt of being here my whole life. So I don't see why I'd want to move.
"I have no doubt we will achieve success, especially in the next few years as well. So I just can't wait to see how the team grows and what we can achieve in the future."