Roos’ top pick, Bombers rookie sign new deals

Kangaroos mid-season draftee Jacob Edwards has inked a new two-year deal with North Melbourne.

The Arden Street club announced the signing on Friday, with the 18-year-old now locking away his future until the end of the 2023 season.

Edwards was taken with the first overall pick in June's Mid-Season Rookie Draft and is yet to feature for David Noble's side while balancing school life.

Speaking on the announcement, Edwards stated his excitement to have penned a new deal with the Kangaroos.

“[I’ve] only been there [at the club] for a couple of weeks in the school holidays, but I’m very lucky I got that extra two years and can’t wait to get started,” Edwards said, per the club's website.

“It’s really exciting for me … I have another two year opportunity to show what I have and obviously [I’m] just hopeful to play a game of AFL next year, but even if I have the opportunity in the VFL next year, it’s obviously still a good opportunity.

“I’m always going to show confidence in myself … I don’t really want to shy away from any opportunity I get.”

Meanwhile, Essendon youngster Kaine Baldwin has signed a one-year rookie extension to remain at Tullamarine.

The South Australian teenager joined the Bombers in March via the Pre-Season Supplemental Selection Period and has battled a long history of injuries in his road to making an AFL debut in the future.

“I’m absolutely stoked to be here next season,” Baldwin told the Bombers' website.

“It’s been a long journey to get to the position I’m in now, but the faith the club has shown is really driving me to prove I belong at this level.

“Working with forwards coach Dan Jordan has been a huge boost for my development and I’ve loved learning from ‘Truck’ (Ben Rutten) and the rest of the coaching group.

“I can’t wait to get back on the field really soon and doing what I love, which is playing football.”