West Coast forward Jack Darling is said to have conducted a medical with North Melbourne as the two parties inch closer to a potential trade deal.
Darling is under contract at the Eagles for the 2025 season but is exploring a potential move elsewhere, with the Kangaroos a club of interest given their desire to bring senior talent to Arden Street.
West Coast list manager Matt Clarke recently discussed Darling's future, noting the club and their premiership attacker's agent have discussed a potential departure.
"We had initial discussions with his management group about [a move]," Clarke told Gettable.
"If he and his management group want to explore (the market), we're open to talking about that, as we are with all our players."
According toย 9 News'ย Tom Morris, Darling underwent a medical at North Melbourne on Monday as the Roos look to make a play for the 32-year-old.
A move to Victoria is expected to see Darling extend his security at AFL level, with the Kangaroos tipped to have offered a multi-year extension that will outdo the one remaining year on his current contract with West Coast.
After landing back in Perth on Wednesday, Darling addressed questions on the potential move.
"I'm just trying to extend my career," he toldย 10 News.ย
"If that's another two or three years at North... I think that would suit me and my family well.
"My body is all good, I'm durable."
West Coast premiership forward Jack Darling had a medical at @NMFCOfficial this morning.
All things being equal, he appears bound for Arden Street on a multi-year deal in the trade period.
More details tonight on @9NewsMelb @FootyonNine
— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) September 16, 2024
Given Darling is under contract, the Kangaroos will need to trade for the one-time All-Australian, who would bring 298 games of experience and 532 career goals to North Melbourne.
The Roos currently hold Picks 2, 22, 40, 58 and 64 for November's AFL Draft, with a later selection likely all that is needed to satisfy the Eagles in a trade.
West Coast are already resigned to losing star defender Tom Barrass to Hawthorn come next month's trade period, with a trade request already lodged by the key backman.
The Perth powerhouse are yet to make any list calls following the 2024 season, with veteran Andrew Gaff's retirement the only other confirmed departure for this off-season.
Jordyn Baker,ย Coby Burgiel,ย Jai Culley,ย Luke Edwards,ย Jamaine Jones,ย Josh Rotham,ย Zane Trew and Alex Witherden are all still without deals for next year.
