North Melbourne have reportedly rekindled their interest in West Coast forward Jack Darling as the Kangaroos look to bring experienced talent to Arden Street.
The 32-year-old is set to enter the final year of his contract with the Eagles next year as the current player with the fourth most goals behind only Jeremy Cameron, Taylor Walker and Luke Breust.
A premiership player, All-Australian and with almost 300 games to his name, Darling has kicked 532 goals for West Coast since 2011 to sit second on the club's all-time leaderboard.
The Kangaroos have flagged a desire to bring veteran AFL talent to the club this off-season in a bid to nurture Alastair Clarkson's emerging stocks further. A key forward void has been open for some time at the Roos, with spearhead Nick Larkey often lacking the needed support in Clarkson's front third.
Darling could fill two voids for the Kangaroos, adding much-needed experience while holding down a role alongside Larkey in attack.
According toย The West Australian,ย the Victorian club has renewed its interest in the 32-year-old, reportedly offering a multi-year deal to Darling.
It is said the Kangaroos' request to have West Coast fork up $200,000 of Darling's deal for next year was declined by the Eagles.
A move to North Melbourne would not only extend Darling's career but is likely to see him play more football at AFL level in 2025, with Oscar Allen, Jake Waterman and Jack Williams likely ahead in the pecking order at West Coast.
Mid-Season Draft recruit Jack Hutchinson is another to contend for a forward role, however showed positive signs further up the field late into the season.
The Kangaroos held interest in Darling last year but fell short in their pursuit, while Melbourne is another side that has been tied to the key forward in the past.
Sydney's Luke Parker and recently delisted St Kilda midfielder Seb Ross are other options North Melbourne could consider to add further experience to their list.
West Coast are already set to lose Tom Barrass to Hawthorn this off-season to further deplete their key positions stocks, while Richmond's Liam Baker could be coming the other way.
