North Melbourne have shown their faith in sidelined youngster Brayden George, with a two-year contract extension signed by the Kangaroos forward.
George's draft contract deal was set to come to an end this year, with the 20-year-old yet to feature at AFL level due to injuries.
The Girgarre product joined the Kangaroos through the 2022 National Draft already sidelined by an ACL injury sustained during his draft year.
George suffered a dislocated elbow last October as he ramped up his return to training, only for a second ACL injury to plague the young Roo again this year.
In his eighth game in the VFL this year, George went down with the same injury sustained two years prior.
Despite the latest setback, the Roos have acted to have George re-signed beyond 2024, with George now locked in at Arden Street until the end of 2026.
"Brayden showed real diligence and strength of character during his ACL rehab last year," North Melbourne head of football talent Brady Rawlings said in a club statement.
"His latest injury setback is very disappointing for him, but we know he will approach his rehab with the same attitude again and wanted to give him as much comfort throughout the process with this new deal.
"Brayden was highly regarded in his draft year with his long kick, strength and overall explosiveness, and we can't wait to see what he can do for us when he's back to full fitness."
George was drafted to the Roos as the 26th overall selection in the 2022 AFL Draft.
The midfield-forward hybrid averaged 13.4 disposals and 2.6 makes playing for North Melbourne's reserves this year.
George's extension comes after the Roos re-signed Charlie Comben (2027), Kallan Dawson (2025), Tom Powell (2026), Harry Sheezel (2030) and Tristan Xerri (2029) already in 2024.
