Recently departed Carlton defender Tom Williamson has signed with North Melbourne's VFL side.
The 23-year-old called time on his tenure at Princes Park two weeks ago due to personal reasons shortly after the Blues granted Williamson indefinite leave to "focus on his wellbeing and ultimately address his personal issues".
Carlton confirmed that Williamson left the club after 44 games and six seasons in navy blue, with both parties coming to a mutual decision.
"The Carlton Football Club can confirm it has been having ongoing discussions with Tom Williamson since he undertook a leave of absence from the Club in early June," a club statement read.
"As a result of these discussions, it has been mutually decided that Williamson will step away from AFL football for 2022 and depart the football club.
"The Club will continue to work with Williamson, the AFLPA and Williamsonโs management to ensure he continues to receive the necessary support he needs moving forward."
Williamson made seven appearances for Carlton's VFL side this season, while his sole AFL appearance came in Round 1 against Richmond as an unused medical sub.
In a surprising turn of events, Williamson was noted to be named in North Melbourne's reserves side to face Richmond this weekend, with the Roos confirming the North Ballarat product has put pen to paper on a deal at Arden Street.
Williamson is among several inclusions for the Roos' VFL side for this weekend, with AFL-listed players Jack Mahony, Josh Walker, Kayne Turner and Jackson Archer also added to the squad.
North Melbourne's reserves have felt the impact of David Noble's departure this week, with their senior coach Leigh Adams taking on the caretaker duties at AFL level.
Former Crow and Saint Tom Lynch, who joined the Roos as a development coach and rookie signing this year, has been handed the reins for the Roos' reserves for the remainder of 2022.
Saturday's VFL clash between North Melbourne and Richmond will take place at Arden Street at 2:35pm (AEST).
