AFL draft prospect Aidan McCartney has nominated North Melbourne ahead of Sydney as his preferred destination ahead of this year's intake, hoping to follow in the footsteps of his father, Jason.
McCartney is part of the Swans academy, with the family based in Sydney as his dad (Jason) works as football boss of GWS.
He earned All-Australian honours at U16 level in 2024, but has missed the year with a hip injury that required surgery in February.
That injury makes him a fascinating watch on draft night, given the AFL Academy member was viewed as one who could push into first round consideration, but the setback means he is more likely to fall in the middle to later period of the November intake.
The developing 195cm key forward is eligible to join North Melbourne as a father-son selection as his father Jason played 107 games for the Kangaroos from 1998-2003.
He has been in regular contact with North Melbourne throughout his junior years, and spent time at Arden St as part of his AFL Academy apprenticeship this year.
McCartney also played local football with the Willoughby Wildcats and the North Shore Bombers in Sydney.
The decision comes shortly after North Melbourne delisted Bailey Scott, Callum Coleman-Jones, Robert Hansen Jnr and Brayden George.
