Roos forward hits pause on contract talks

North Melbourne goalsneak Cam Zurhaar is understood to be holding off on contract talks until the latter end of the season.

The 23-year-old is among a bevy of young Roos currently unsigned for the 2023 season, with the club looking to retain key puzzle pieces of their list rebuild as they work through an arduous campaign at Arden Street.

David Noble's men are placed second last on the ladder after the opening 10 rounds, having amassed just the one win for the season - a scrappy victory over a critically undermanned West Coast outfit in Round 2.

Had it not been for the Eagles' extensive injury and COVID woes, the Roos would likely be anchored to the foot of the ladder without a win, placing further strains on the young list.

However, the Roos remain confident in their prospects for the future, backing in their cohort of neophytes to work through difficult seasons before tasting finals football in the years to come.

The club have already locked away gun midfielder Tarryn Thomas this year, however, the Roos' Next Generation Academy graduate is the only signature to have landed on the dotted line in 2022.

Top draft selection Jason Horne-Francis has reportedly parked contract talks with the Kangaroos after a blistering start to his AFL career, with Zurhaar now seen as the latest Roo to be hitting pause on negotiations.

Unlike Horne-Francis, Zurhaar is off-contract this year and would be more susceptible to rival interest in the coming months.

“At this stage both parties have put talks on hold. He is playing in that role where he does rely on ball movement and the timing isn’t right to have fruitful discussions. We will leave it for now and talk to them later in the year,” Zurhaar's manager Anthony McConville told The Herald Sun. 

Zurhaar has hit a strong stride of form in recent weeks, having booted multiple goals in his last five appearances after going without a major in the opening three rounds.

The bullish forward has paired well with spearhead Nick Larkey across their time together at North Melbourne, with the duo seen as required assets to help right Noble's ship.

The Roos will also be looking to secure the services of ruckman Tristan Xerri this year, with the emerging tall having staked his claim as the club's first-string ruck option.

Xerri was of great interest to St Kilda last off-season, with the Moorabbin club likely to push for the 23-year-old again this year as they weigh up options to eventually succeed veteran Paddy Ryder.

Veteran ruckman Todd Goldstein is anticipated to depart the Roos at season's end, while Ben Cunnington, Kayne Turner, Josh Walker and Kyron Hayden are also free agents this season.

Veteran half-back Aaron Hall is off-contract after signing a one-year deal at the conclusion of last season, while young names in Tom Powell, Flynn Perez, Atu Bosenavulagi, Bailey Scott, Curtis Taylor and Lachie Young are also yet to recommit.

The Roos will be chasing their second win of the season this weekend when they face St Kilda at Marvel Stadium on Sunday at 1:10pm.