North Melbourne's 2026 season has had moments of disappointment, but it has also had some genuine development and bright sparks for the first time in nearly a decade.
Finally, the green shoots are growing into trees and the performances of Finn O'Sullivan, Cooper Trembath, George Wardlaw and more make the Roos the most exciting trade proposition they have been since the mid-2010s.
Add into the mix Luke Davies-Uniacke, Harry Sheezel, Nick Larkey, Tristan Xerri and Charlie Comben and the club is starting to look more and more like a finals quality side.
So who are the trade targets for North Melbourne this off-season? Let's hope to the high heavens it includes some key defenders.
Darcy Wilson (St Kilda)
The chase for Wilson does, from the outside, look like the Roos would be acquiring more of the same; a young gun midfielder who is quick and can run all day.
North Melbourne already has a plethora of players that fit that description, but there is something game-breaking about Wilson that makes you not knock the Roos for chasing him.
He is lightning quick, tough and has plenty of forward craft.
Is out of contract at St Kilda and the club appears confident of re-signing him.
But if he was staunch in wanting to move and get to North Melbourne, the Roos could take a hardline approach and threaten to take him through the pre-season draft. Of course, the Kangaroos would have to finish below the Saints on the ladder to do that, which could be tight.
North Melbourne shouldn't use its trade capital to target Wilson if it affects its chase for quality key defenders, but if you could get him dirt cheap, it would be a great pick up at Arden Street.
